Martin Luther “A Beggar Before God”

By Rev. Craig S. Stanford Martin Luther “A Beggar Before God”

November 10, 1483 - February 18, 1546

Written in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther's 450th Anniversary of his entrance into the Church Triumphant and re-released in celebration of the 500th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther’s Posting of 95 Theses and the start of the Reformation.

+ Dedicated in loving memory to Dr. Robert David Preus + October 16, 1924 - November 4, 1995.

Martin Luther, “A Beggar Before God” is a new play and was written to be different than other Luther plays in the following ways. First, this play covers the entire life span of Luther where most plays or videos end at the year 1530 or before. Second, it not only depicts the theological fight between the Roman Catholic Church and Martin Luther, it also includes scenes depicting the theological differences between Luther and Zwingli (and subsequently between Lutherans and the Reformed). The Lutheran Reformation was a battle fought on many fronts and this play attempts to make that point. Third, while struggling under the restrictions common to plays (casting), this play seeks to be as historically accurate as possible. The debate scenes are taken from the very words of the participants and much of Luther's dialogue is drawn from Luther's own recorded words.

This work stands the shoulders of scholars like the late Roland Banton's book "Here I Stand" and James Kittleson's "Luther, The Reformer." This script includes alternative scenes, which provide an opportunity for more female characters and other scenes. These scenes are included in the Appendix of the script. This is also a play that can be performed as a full two hour production or selected scenes can be performed to fit your own time and cast needs.

Sola Deo Gloria © All rights reserved. Revised edition 2016. Rev. Craig S. Stanford. This script may be reproduced in printed form for use by congregations for its own use and performances. It may not be resold. Chapters can be printed/downloaded at ImmanuelEP.org. If you are using this script and will be raising money from its use please consider donating a portion of those funds to Immanuel Ev. Lutheran. Please consider sending 10% of the funds raised (net) as a donation to: Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church 526 E. Washington Street East Peoria, IL 61611

If you are not using this script for fund raising purposes, please consider a donation with the following suggested guidelines. Average Church Attendance:

1-50 - $25.00 51-75 - $35.00 76-150 - $50.00 151 or more - $75.00 Martin Luther, "A Beggar Before God" Cast list

Student Luther Cardinal Cajetan

Martin Luther Charles V

George Spalatin Nicholar Amsdorf

Father Stauptiz John Zwingli

Philip Melanchthon Dr. Justus Jonas

Dean Carlstadt Moderator (debate with Eck)

Narrator Optional Cast for scenes

Johann Eck Student 1

Katie Luther Student 2

Hans Luder Student 3

Margaretta Luder Theologian 1

Leo X - Pope Theologian 2

Priest Theologian 3

Head Master Clara-escaping nun

Student Karl Margaret-escaping nun

3-5 extras students Mary - escaping nun

George Lang Extra students for classroom scenes.

Tetzel Coelius (instead of Spalatin in the last scene) Old Woman 1

Old Man 1

Peasants Extras Martin Luther, “A Beggar Before God” By Rev. Craig Steven Stanford

Narrator: The year was 1483 and for 150 years prior to the birth of Martin Luther, the iron grip of the Holy Roman Empire had begun to weaken. Nationalism, capitalism, prosperous and growing cities, the first steps in the industrial revolution, and a growing optimism about human potential called humanism had begun to eat away at the influence and power of the Romanist Church. On the eve of the Reformation the church was wallowing in theological confusion. Doctrine was imprecisely defined and the church was no longer unified under the teachings of the apostles. Philosophical arguments replaced God's revelation. Corruption and immorality were found everywhere in the church. The Papacy was the last unifying principle of the Medieval Church. The church allowed even the most radical of teachers to teach false doctrine, only as long as the supremacy of the Pope was untouched. The time was ripe for a Reformation and the coming of a new prophet. While all eyes were looking to England, France, and Spain, and the Renaissance, God had His eyes set on a little backward country, named Germany. Germany at that time was the last true stronghold of Papal power. On November 10, 1483 in the city of Eisenach, a son was born to Hans and Margaretta Luder. His name, Martin Luther. He would be God's instrument to reform the church and restore the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. ======

1 ACT ONE SCENE ONE A Beggar Is Born (1483) [Set-bedroom. Margaretta is resting in bed holding the baby.] Margaretta: Oh Hans, isn't he beautiful?

Hans: I suppose.

Margaretta: Hans, have we decided on a name for your second born son?

Hans: I have not thought that much about it. With the death of papa, and living from day to day with what work I can find, it seems my mind has been occupied. I simply haven't given it much thought.

Margaretta: Yes, I understand. It has only been nine months.

Hans: But, young son, consider your position in this family a blessed one. For if your mother and I remain celibate like the priests and have no more sons, you will be the youngest in the Luder family, and all that I have, or will have some day, will be passed on to you. That is the law. That is why I have no work and no money.

Margaretta: Hans, things are not that bad. We have a new son.

Hans: Yes, another mouth to feed.

Margaretta: Well, you need not worry about that for a few months. Something will

2 happen. . . You can always go to work for your brother as a laborer. I am sure he will pay you a fair wage.

Hans: Work for my younger brother? I do not think I can do that. My children will have more. They will be more than simple laborers. [takes the baby from Margaretta's arms] This one will become an important man. He will become an attorney. I will take care of him as he grows to be a man. He will take care of us as we grow to old age. No, the law says I must work for my brother or leave town. I have chosen to leave.

Margaretta: To where?

Hans: I don't know yet? Maybe Mansfeld. It is a growing town and I hear that some new mines are going to open up within the year. As soon as the spring arrives, we shall move there. Perhaps, there is a job there for me. But now I must be off to the church. [Hans exits]

Margaretta: But Hans . . . Hans . . . What shall his name be? ======

3 SCENE 2 The Baptism (1483) [Set-baptistery inside Romanist Church. Enter Hans carrying the baby. He kneels, makes the sign of the cross, and approaches the priest. Curtain and lights]

Priest: Congratulations Hans. I had heard that Margaretta was in the pains of child birth. All is well I trust.

Hans: Yes, father. All is well. Mother is resting and as long as there was a break in the weather I thought I would come as soon as possible.

Priest: What are you going to name the child?

Hans: I don't know. I suppose it would make Margaretta happy if I name the child according to church custom. What saint is the church remembering today?

Priest: Today is the Feast of St. Martin and I think Martin Luder [Luther] would be a fine name for your second born son.

Hans: Martin Luder [Luther] it shall be.

[Takes the baby in his arms and baptizes the child saying]

Priest: Martin Luder, Ego te baptidzo in nomine Patri et Filii et Spiritu sancti. [Curtain/lights] ======

4 SCENE 3

School's In (1492-1497)

Narrator: In the spring of 1484 Hans moved his family 10 miles away to the city of Mansfeld. There he worked in the copper mines. But Hans Luther was ambitious and within seven years he and his partners owned six mines and two copper smelts of their own. Hans himself had become a member of the city council. With his business success Hans could afford to send Luther to school. At the age of five Luther was enrolled in Latin school. For the next 8 years Luther would spend hours each day learning Latin and music so he could sing in the church choir.

[set-school room, curtain\lights up. Head Master enters, boys stand]

Head Master: Karl.

Student Karl: Yes sir.

Head Master: Please say the Ten Commandments.

Karl: All Ten sir?

Head Master: Of course, God did not give us less than ten. Now say them.

Karl: Thou shalt have no other God's before me. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord your God in vain? Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

5 Honor Thy father and thy mother. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, maid servant, man servant, cattle or anything that is thy neighbors.

Head Master: Tomorrow, class, be prepared to say the same in Latin. Luther, recite the declension for sancti.

Young Luther: sanctus, sancta, sanctorum, sanctum . . ,

Head Master: No! No! No! Martin Luther will you ever learn?! This morning you have already been caned fourteen times. This will make number fifteen. Now go to the corner and await your punishment.

[Luther goes to corner and places the dunce's cap on his head, then bends over for caning]

Head Master: Class, say the Our Father, while I attend to young Luther.

[As lights go down Luther assumes the position and a loud crack is heard.] ======

6 ACT TWO SCENE 4 To The Philosopher and Saint! (January 1505)

Narrator: In 1497 at the age of 13 Hans Luther sent Martin to school in Magdeburg, and from there a year later, he went to Eisenach. In 1501 at the age of 17 Luther entered the university of Erfurt. In 1502 Luther received his Bachelor of Arts degree. In January 1505 Luther earned his Master of Arts and began to make plans for law school. While at the university Luther was tagged with the nickname, "The Philosopher." the name was given to him by his friends because of Luther's love for philosophical debate and his passionate quest for the truth. Hans Luther had sent Martin to the University of Erfurt for one reason. To prepare him law school. But Luther was having serious doubts about the life his father had so carefully planned. Religion had always been an important part of Luther's life, but during his years at the university Luther was increasingly troubled by a restless spirit. His quest to find peace with God was taking him in a different direction. It was also at the university of Erfurt that Luther met George Spalatin. It would be a life long friendship that would prove very beneficial to both of them. [set-pub table with four of Luther's friends sitting around]

Spalatin: I thought you would never get here. I have just about drunk my limit waiting for you, Martin.

Luther: Well I needed to go for a walk.

Spalatin: Don't tell me you're getting melancholy again. It is your graduation. It is the

7 greatest day in your life. Your father has never been prouder and in just three months from now, you will be studying law at one of the best law schools in the land. I can see it now. Martin Luther attorney at law, legal council to Frederick the Wise. Just remember your university friends when you come into your kingdom.

Luther: My kingdom may be a lot smaller than that. It might be no bigger than a monks sleeping quarters.

Spalatin: Martin don't tell me that even on this fine day you have been wrestling with that God of yours again. Can't you leave Him alone for just one day.

Luther: It is not I who trouble Him. He troubles me and it seems that I can find no peace with this God of ours.

Spalatin: And you think that by giving up a promising career in law for the life of a monk that you will find this peace.

Luther: One would think so, but enough of this. Tonight is for celebrating the road thus traveled, nor the one that lies ahead.

Spalatin: Here! Here! I can drink to that.

Martin: George, you can drink to anything and usually do.

Spalatin: To the Philosopher and to the Saint, St. Martin Luther. [Curtain/lights] ======

8 SCENE 5-a

I Will Become A Monk! - Narration (July 1505) [Alternative scene in Appendix]

[It is dark, stage barely lit, lightning and thunder grow in intensity. Martin Luther walks slowly across stage.]

Narrator: On a hot and humid day in July of the year of 1505 Luther was returning to the university after visiting his parents. He had apparently discussed his career with his father and Luther's considered career change did not sit well with his father. If Luther left law school to become a monk, Hans Luther would be outraged. But the death of a close friend and a near fatal accident of his own, had put Luther in mind of death and death to Luther was a terrifying prospect. As Luther approached the village of Stottenheim a sudden thunderstorm arose. A bolt of lightning suddenly knocked Luther to the ground. In fear of his life Luther called out...

Luther: "Help me St. Anne. I will become a monk!"

======

9 ACT TWO SCENE 6 The Monk's Monk (1505-1510) [Set- a monastery. Curtain and lights up. Luther is kneeling.]

Staupitz: "Lord Jesus Christ, who did deign to clothe thyself of innocence and renunciation. May this thy servant, Martin Luther, who takes the habit, be clothed also in thine immortality O thou who livest and reignest with God the Father, and the Holy Ghost, God from eternity to eternity . Amen." Rise Brother Martin. You are now a monk in the Augustinian order.

[Staupitz leaves. Luther walks to his sleeping quarters and kneels in prayer. Lights go down and come up.]

Luther: "Save, O Queen, Thou Mother of mercy, my life, my delight, and my hope. To thee I sigh as I languish in this vale of Eve. Be thou my advocate. Sweet Mary, pray for me, thou holy Mother of God. Amen." [Curtain/lights down, then up]

Staupitz: Brother Martin. May I see you for a moment.

Luther: Yes, Father Staupitz.

Staupitz: Brother Martin, you have been with us many months now and we see how devoted you are to your prayers, to confession, and to works of penance. All these things are good in God's sight. But Brother Martin, these things are not meant to

10 destroy one's soul along with the body. We are concerned that you may be carrying your spiritual discipline too far.

Luther: But how can one be too sorry for one's sins? Does the church not teach that it is better to suffer in the body to purify ones's soul, than to sin against God and the church? Is not God angry with sin? Does God not judge sinners if they are found in their sin?

Staupitz: Yes Brother Martin. But it is evident that your penance is destroying both body and soul and this is not the intent.

Luther: It may not be the intention, but it seems to be the effect. For I cannot seem to purge myself of sin and the guilt that it brings. I am unable to rest because I am uncertain as to whether I have done enough, been sorry enough, worked hard enough, or punished myself enough to be free from my sin.

Staupitz: Brother Martin, I and the others have been talking and we have become convinced that you simply have too much time on your hands to think about your sins. We believe, Brother Martin, that it would be best for you and the church to move on with your studies and to join the priesthood. We want you to prepare to celebrate your first Mass. We are confident that once ordained into the holy office, you will find peace in your duties as priest, especially in the Celebration of the Sacrifice of the Mass.

Luther: Yes, Father Staupitz, if you believe this is best.

Staupitz. Brother Luther, learn more about God and serve Him as a priest. There you will find the peace you seek.

11 [Curtain/Light down]

Narrator: Luther tried to find peace through discipline, prayer, physical punishment, but all these things only drove Luther further into despair. [Curtain/lights up] Staupitz: Brother Martin.

Luther: Yes, Father Staupitz.

Staupitz: Luther, fasting and starving are two different things. We expect fasting, not starvation. You cannot continue to go without food, or drink, or sleep indefinitely. You need not sleep without blankets every night. And Luther, really, if you are going to spend hours in the confessional, come in with something to confess. If you expect Christ to forgive you, come in with something to forgive - murder, blasphemy, adultery, instead of these peccadilloes."

Luther: I am trying everything, Father Staupitz, but still God is angry with me. I am so afraid of Him, I could barely finish my first Mass. When I came to the words, "We offer unto Thee, the living, true, the eternal God" I was utterly stupefied and terror- stricken. I thought to myself, with what tongue shall I address such Majesty, seeing that all men ought to tremble in the presence of even an earthly prince? Who am I, that I should lift up mine eyes or raise my hands to the divine Majesty? The angels surround Him. At His nod the earth trembles. And shall I, a miserable little pygmy, say "I want this," "I ask for that?" For I am dust and ashes and full of sin and I am speaking to the living, eternal, and the true God." These were my thoughts and I nearly defiled the body and blood by dropping them to the floor.

12 Staupitz: God is not angry with you. You, Luther, are angry with God. Look to the cross. Learn more about the cross of Christ.

Luther: I look at the cross all the time and all I can see is an angry God who demands more from me, as He demanded from Christ. I thought living as a monk and expending all my energy to be rid of sin was the way to take salvation into my own hand. But I cannot. In my works and prayers I have surpassed all others. I have been the perfect monk. But still this is not good enough for God.

Staupitz: Luther if you desire more work we shall give it to you. As you know the Dominicans have submitted a proposal to merge the Augustinian and Dominican orders. IN your earlier days you were called the Philosopher. We have an assignment for The Philosopher. We are sending you to Rome. There you will file and argue our appeal.

Luther: When do I leave?

Staupitz: In November. If all goes well you should reach Rome by January. So eat and sleep Luther. You will need your strengthen. Rome is a long walk in the winter. [curtain/lights] ======

13 ACT THREE SCENE 7 Exiled To Wittenberg (1511) [set-classroom Luther]

Lang: Well, Luther, I see you made it.

Luther: Yes, here we are.

Lang: Yes, here we are. It is not what I had in mind. Wittenberg was not on my top ten list of places to spend my career. When they sent you to Rome, I was pretty optimistic that we were going to win our appeal.

Luther: I couldn't very well argue our appeal when the Holy Father would not permit me an audience. By the time I got to Rome, the matter was apparently decided.

Lang: That was a long walk for nothing.

Luther: The trip was not an entire waste. I got to see the Holy City of Rome. And while I was there I visited all the holy sites and relics.

Lang: And were you able to kiss the holy steps upon which Christ Himself traveled.

Luther: I spoke the Pater Nosters on each step all the way to the top. There on the top was written, "The just shall live by faith." But who knows whether it is so. I do know that I was greatly troubled by what I saw in Rome. The corruption is everywhere.

14 Lang: Well, the Holy Father had ruled on the matter. There was no sense in filing another appeal.

Luther: Yes, our fellow Augustinians are wrong to oppose the Pope and Father Staupitz in this matter.

Lang: Yes, Luther, you knew that and I knew that, but we didn't have to let everyone else know that they were wrong.

Luther: Our obedience to the will of the Holy Father and to Father Staupitz has given us a new opportunity to serve the church.

Lang: That's what you call our little exile in this dirty little Wittenberg. The beer here isn't even all that good Brother Martin.

Luther: Well then perhaps it will lessen our time in purgatory. In the meantime Father Staupitz expects me to finish my doctorate of theology while in Wittenberg and to teach the Old Testament to these students. [Curtain/lights] ======

15 SCENE 8 Luther The Professor (1512) [set-Luther's office at Wittenberg] [lights up]

Dean Carlstadt: Well Dr. Luther, as the Dean of academic studies here at Wittenberg, let me be the first to congratulate you on your doctorate and full professorship.

Luther: Thank you Dean Carlstadt.

Dean: Dr. Luther, you have shown yourself to be a great asset to both the University of Wittenberg and to Father Staupitz. He thinks the world of you.

Luther: And I of him. He has tried to be a great comfort to me over these past seven years.

Dean: It was very kind of you to take on many of his teaching and preaching duties here at Wittenberg. There is no way Father Staupitz can do all that is expected of him without working himself to death.

Luther: I was glad to help. Father Staupitz has been my preacher for many years now and I have been a burden to him on many occasions. It was about time that I turned out to be a help instead of a hindrance.

Dean: Well Doctor Luther, you must be a great help after all. There are not very many professors who get a life time appointment to head up an entire department of biblical

16 studies from the first day.

Luther: You're being too kind Dean. You and I both know that Duke Frederick made a good business decision. He simply got tired of paying for teachers, only to have Rome take them away from their teaching and preaching duties here in Wittenberg, as was the case with Father Staupitz. No, Dean, Frederick the Wise made a good business decision.

Dean: Don't sell yourself short, Doctor Luther. You have demonstrated a passion and intellect for theology that few others have. And I believe you will be a credit to your order and our little Wittenberg University.

Luther: Again I thank you, Dean. Now if you will excuse me, it is time for my morning prayers. [Curtain/lights] [set-Luther's Study]

Staupitz: Brother Martin. It is good to see you again.

Luther: It is good to see you as well, Father Staupitz.

Staupitz: How are you doing these days Brother Martin?

Luther: Same as always.

Staupitz. That is what I hear and what I am concerned about.

17 Luther: I am troubled more now than I have ever been Father. When I began my quest for a gracious and loving God, Father Staupitz, you told me to learn more about God and to learn to love God. By putting me to work, you thought I would become too busy to be tormented by the demons that chase me. I am so busy I have need of two secretaries. By day I write letters and essays, I am the preacher at the monastery. I am the reader at every meal. I preach nearly every day at the Wittenberg parish. I am the director of biblical studies. I supervise eleven monasteries. I am a lecturer on St. Paul. I am in charge of writing a commentary on Psalms. And the mail I must respond to each day is overwhelming. I am so busy I am even the superintendent of the fish pond at Litzkau. Yet, busy as I am, I can find no peace from the righteousness of an angry God.

Staupitz: Brother Martin, you are a teacher of the church.

Luther: Yes and a fine teacher at that! I cannot even find the God whom we all confess. I do not understand this God. He is a righteous God. As such He must punish sin. My Sin! For I am a poor and miserable sinner, nothing but a miserable sinner.

Staupitz: And God?

Luther: And God? God dwells in an inaccessible light. We weak and ignorant creatures want to probe and understand the incomprehensible majesty of a holy God. But our God appears to be a cruel and intolerable God, by which very many have been offended in all ages. And who would not be? I was myself more than once driven to the very abyss of despair so that I wish I had never been created. Love God. We are to love God with all our heart and all our soul and all our mind. Love God. I hate God. For there is no escape.

18 Staupitz: Luther you must continue to lose yourself in works and service toward God. This you have done. You are the most zealous and pious man I have ever known.

Luther: Am I? Have you never felt the way I feel? Have you never struggled with God the way I struggle. Have you never felt Anfecthungen–total despair and hopelessness.

Staupitz: Do you think you are the first man to experience the power of God's righteousness?

Luther: Have you, Father Staupitz, endured such trials of the soul?

Staupitz: No, but I think they are your meat and drink Brother Martin.

[Curtain/lights down - then up] ======

19 SCENE 9 The Righteousness of God (1513-1517)

Narrator: Luther began lecturing on the Psalms from 1513 to 1515. Luther said, "I did not learn my theology at all once, but I had to search deeper where my temptations took me." In 1515-1516 he lectured on Romans and as he worked his way through these books the Gospel began to break through bit by bit.

[set - Luther's study. Luther sitting at his desk. Spalatin and Carlstadt enter]

Spalatin: Well, hello Luther; it is good to see you. I received your message and we came as quickly as we could.

Carlstadt: What is this news of yours Luther?

Luther: Thank you gentlemen for coming. I only wish that Father Staupitz could be here to hear this news.

Spalatin: What is it Brother Martin? I have not seen you this excited and happy since the day your masters degree was conferred on you. This must be good news.

Luther: Yes, I think it is. Read this Spalatin:

Spalatin: Psa 22:1 "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. 2 O my God, I cry by day, but Thou dost not answer; And by night, but I have no rest." This is good news? Martin you are an odd

20 man.

Luther: For the longest time I thought I was the only one to have experienced this. Anfechtungen. But when I was teaching the Psalms I came to realize that these were the words of Christ on the Cross. Psalm 22 speaks of Christ and Christ of Psalm 22. "My God, My God, Why has Thou forsaken Me?" Do you see?

Carlstadt: No, I'm afraid I don't see.

Luther: The utter desolation which I have felt, Christ too felt and even more, as He hung dying on the cross. I feel this way because I am weak. I am a sinner. I am unholy and cannot stand in the presence of a holy God. But Christ. He was not weak. He was holy. He was perfect, yet He felt this same desolation. He felt the judgment of the righteous God.

Carlstadt: Yes, so what?

Luther: So what! Why should Christ suffer this way? Why should He be so overwhelmed with sin and guilt? Why would His Heavenly Father forsake Him in this way? He was without sin, but He was not. There is only one answer. He took upon Himself the sin of us all. He became sin. He became my sin, and yours and yours.

Spalatin: Yes, Luther this we know.

Luther: Do we? Then why the relics? Why the pilgrimages? Why all the works of penance? Why do we live in fear?

21 Carlstadt: Well to reduce our time in purgatory and to earn the merits of Christ and all the saints of course? Any peasant knows that Luther?

Luther: But our sins have been paid for!

Carlstadt: But God is righteous and He must punish sin.

Luther: Spalatin read this.

Spalatin: Rom 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. {17} For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

Luther: For the longest time I have hated that phrase, "The righteousness of God." I have hated it because according to all our teachers, I had been taught to understand this phrase in a philosophical sense, the righteousness with which God is righteous and punishes the unrighteous.

Carlstadt: Luther, what are you driving at?

Luther: We have been taught only the one definition of righteousness.

Spalatin: But isn't there only one definition?

Luther: According to our teachers, Yes. But according to the Holy Scripture there are two definitions of "righteousness." The righteousness of God is the Holiness of God

22 which causes Him to judge, to punish sinners, like a judge pronouncing a verdict over a man who is guilty of stealing a pig. "Guilty, five years of hard labor!" I lived as a monk, without reproach. I had the most troubled conscience imaginable. I was a sinner before God. I did not love God. Indeed I hated the righteous God who judged and punished me as sinner. Even the Gospel threatened me with punishment. That's what happens with just one definition. But by the second definition, righteousness is the holiness that He gives away. Here Spalatin read what I have written contrasting these definitions.

Spalatin: "{17} For in it [the Gospel] the wrath of God is revealed from faith to faith." I see. Martin, the first definition does not fit.

Luther: But in the Greek the word for righteousness has a double meaning. It can also mean justification as well as judgment. Now read it with the word justification.

Spalatin: "{17} For in it [the Gospel] the justification of God is revealed from faith to faith." Yes I see. This definition does fit.

Luther: Night and day I have pondered this text and St. Paul until I could see the connection between the justice of God and the statement that "the just shall live by faith." Then I understood. The justice of God is the righteousness He gives to us. Through the grace and sheer mercy of God, God justifies us through faith. There is a righteousness that causes God to judge our sin. And there is the righteousness that God gives away to us so that we are not judged. At that I felt reborn. It was as if I went through open doors to paradise. The whole of Scripture took on a new meaning and where before the phrase, the righteousness of God, filled me with hate, it became to me inexpressibly sweet in

23 greater love. This passage of Paul became a gate to heaven for me. Over these past months I have come to see Christ in a different light. So also I have come to see God the Father in a different way too. It is by faith that God's sheer mercy has come to me. ======

24 ACT FOUR SCENE 10-a The Reformation Begins (1517) [Tetzel standing on a platform with peasant standing round] [alternative scene with university students in Appendix]

Tetzel: Listen now, God and St. Peter. Consider the salvation of your souls and those of your loved ones departed. You priests, you nobles, you merchants, you virgin, you matron, you youth, you old man, enter now into your church, which is the Church of St. Peter. Visit the most holy cross erected before you and ever imploring you. Have you considered that you are caught in the temptations and dangers of this life, and that you do not know whether you can reach the haven, the resting place of your soul? Consider that all who are contrite and have confessed and made contribution will receive complete remission of all their sins. Listen to the voices of your dead relatives and friends, asking you and saying to you, "Pity us, pity us. We are in dire torment from which you can free us for a pittance." Open your ears. Hear the father saying to his son, the mother to her daughter, "We bore you, nourished you, brought you up, left you our fortunes, and you are so cruel and hard that now you are not willing for so little to set us free. Will you let us lie here in flames? Will you delay our promised glory?" Remember that you are able to release them. "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." Will you not then for a quarter of a florin receive these letters of indulgences through which you are able to lead a divine and immortal soul into the fatherland of paradise?

Woman 1: Yea, I will purchase one for my departed mother-in-law, God rest her soul, she was a sweet thing.

25 Man 1: I too will purchase one, but not for my mother-in-law for she left me no fortune, nor gave me birth. She did give birth to my wife, but that was no favor. But for my own mother, now there is a lady that should be blessed and released from the flames of purgatory.

Tetzel: Yes brothers and sisters, this indulgence gives participation in every Mass from now until our Lord comes again. This indulgence is signed by Pope Leo X and the monies will be used to complete St. Peter's Cathedral, the greatest church every built to our Lord. Once you purchase this indulgence for whomever you want, for your own mother or brother, or one for yourself, the soul is free and there will be no need for the soul to suffer in purgatory any longer. [hands out indulgences]

[On the opposite side of the stage Luther walks out and posts his 95 Theses.]

Narrator: The 95 Theses was intended for academic debate. Luther had written them in Latin. But students at the university translated them into German for others in Wittenberg to read. No one, including Luther, thought they would amount to much. But within a few weeks these 95 statements were all over Europe and Luther found himself in the middle of a new movement for reformation. [Spalatin, Eck, Leo X, and Tetzel take their places]

Spalatin: #1 When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, said, "Repent," He called for the entire life of believers to be one of penitence. # 5. "The pope has neither the will nor the power to remit any penalties beyond those imposed either at his own discretion or by canon law."

Tetzel: #27. There is no divine authority for preaching that the soul flies out of

26 purgatory immediately when the money clinks in the bottom of the chest. #28. It is certainly possible that when the money clinks in the bottom of the chest covetousness and greed increase, but when the church offers intercession, all depends on the will of God.

Eck: #82. Why does not the pope liberate everyone from purgatory for the sake of love (a most holy thing) and because of the supreme necessity of their souls? This would be morally the best of all reasons. Meanwhile, he redeems countless souls for money, a most perishable thing, with which to build St. Peter's church, a very minor purpose. #86 Again since the Pope's income today is larger than that of the wealthiest men, why does he not build this one church of St. Peter with his own money, rather than with the money of indigent believers?

Leo X: I have heard enough! Who is this dirty little monk? He is but a fly from a dirty little backwards German town. Does he think he can call into question the Holy Roman Church?

Eck: Apparently, Your Holiness.

Leo X: Luther is to be silenced. Direct the Augustinians to bridle his tongue and put a stop to his hand. . . What does Tetzel need in order to refute this drunken German?

Eck: Well Luther holds a Doctor of Theology. If Tetzel's rebuke is going to be taken seriously, it would be best for Tetzel to have a doctorate of theology as well.

Leo X: Then make the arrangements. I do not want this matter to go on any longer than need be. The worst is behind us.

27 [Curtain/lights, Leo, Eck, Tetzel exit. Spalatin remain. Luther enters, Carlstadt, and Staupitz follow.]

Spalatin: Luther, Oh Brother Martin. You have really stepped in it now.

Luther: Oh, really? [looks at the bottoms of his feet]

Carlstadt: Dr. Luther, really this matter is serious. You have made a lot of people very angry. Everyone from the peasants on the street to his Holiness himself is speaking the name Luther, and not kindly.

Luther: Don't you think you two are overreacting. I was only doing my job. I took an oath when I received my doctorate. I pledged that I would teach, and speak, and defend the truth. My Theses were meant for academic debate, not general publication.

Staupitz: Brother Martin, I am afraid these two are right. Whether you meant to or not, in your 95 Theses you have called into question the very authority of His Holiness, the Pope, not to mention the use of indulgences.

Luther: I have not questioned the use of indulgences. Rather, I have called into question their abuse. I still maintain that there is a proper place for them. Father Staupitz, what would you have me do? I took a holy oath before God and the church to seek out and defend the truth. Look, I have been studying more and more of the original Greek, although I am not very good at it. But this much I have found, our Latin Bible says in Matthew 4:17 "Do penance for the kingdom of God is at hand." But the Greek says, "Be penitent." Don't you see? Doing penance has nothing to do with it. It is repentance, being

28 repentant, that's what matters. A change of mind and heart. This is what God seeks, not our acts done half-heartily to justify ourselves.

Carlstadt: Dr. Luther, are you saying that we are not to become better people? To be better people, to please God we must by do good works. For Aristotle and our church theologians teach that a person becomes good doing good works-the practice of habitus. After all Dr. Luther, we must exercise the free will given to very human being.

Luther: And I tell you Dean, that good fruit comes from a good tree. And Jesus said that He is the vine and we are the branches. If our works are going to be of any value they must be done by faith in Christ Jesus. As to free will, I do not know about that.

Carlstadt: But we must do what is within us. That is all God asks. For some people that is more and for others that is less.

Luther: So which are you Dean, the more or the less?

Spalatin: Luther, we have been friends for a very long time. If I understand you correctly, this new doctrine of yours could tear the foundation of our church out from under her. This view you present is contrary to all that has been set in place. Please be careful.

Luther: I seek not to destroy the church, but to enlighten her with Holy Scriptures. Besides, how could a little monk from Wittenberg threaten the true foundation of the church, for that foundation is the prophets and apostles.

Carlstadt: Well Dr. Luther, if you wanted a debate on your theology, you have it now.

29 Here, this is an invitation to Heidelberg. You are to represent us at the Disputation in April of this coming year. You are expected to defend your theses on indulgences.

Luther: And so I shall on April 25 1518. [Curtain/lights down] ======

30 SCENE 11 The Theology of the Cross (1518) [set- lecture hall with Luther at a podium] [Alternative scene with extra theologians in Appendix] Luther: Dear Brothers, fellow Augustinians, distinguished colleagues, and professors. You came to hear me speak on indulgences and to defend my 95 theses. But I do not want to waste your time with trifles. There is much more to be discussed than the practice of indulgences. Over the past few months I have been forced to respond to my critics to look further and deeper into Scripture and our church's practices and I have seen that my journey has only begun. So this morning, I place before you 28, not 95, Theses. Listen carefully to these 28 statements for in them we get to the very heart of the matter. #1. The Law of God, although, the soundest doctrine of life, is not able to bring a man to righteousness, but rather stands in the way. #3. The works of men may always be attractive and seemingly good, It appears nevertheless that they are mortal sins. #4 The works of God may always appear to be unattractive and seemingly bad. They are nevertheless truly immortal merit. #13 "Free Will" after the fall is nothing but a word, and as long as it is doing what is within it, it is committing deadly sin. #19 The one who beholds what is invisible of God, through the perception of what is made, is not rightly called a theologian. #20 Rather the one who perceives what is visible of God, God's backside, by beholding the suffering and the cross [this one is rightly called a theologian]. #21. The theologian of glory calls a good thing bad and a bad thing good. The theology of the cross says what the thing is.

31 #26 The Law says, "Do this!" and it is never done. Grace says: "Believe in this one! and forthwith everything is done." #28 The love of God does not find its object, rather it creates it. [others stand around reacting and debating, shocked surprised. Luther goes to Staupitz}

Staupitz: Brother Martin, do you realize what you have done here today.

Luther: Yes Father Staupitz. I know exactly what I have done here today. I have set our church on it head. I have found the battle field and now I must trust in God.

Carlstadt: Dr. Luther, what is the name you have given to this new theology of yours.

Luther: It is not a new theology. It is drawn from the pages of the Bible. That is the point.

Spalatin: That may be so, but what name do you give it.

Luther: As I said, it is the theology of the cross, it is the doctrine of Christ.

[Curtain/lights out] ======

32 SCENE 12 Released From Vows (1519)

Cardinal Cajetan: Father Staupitz, it seems that you are unable to control your own monk. Much has transpired to bring me to you and you to me. First the 95 Theses attacking the Pope and indulgences, the fight with Tetzel, followed by a wholesale attack upon the theology of the Holy Mother, the Church. We had hoped that we could resolve this difference of opinion in Rome, but Duke Frederick, probably with a little encouragement from his secretary Spalatin, would not turn Luther over to the Papal legate. So here I am in Augsburg. Do not misunderstand my intentions. I came to secure from Luther one word, "revoco," "I recant." Has he prepared himself sufficiently for our interview?

Staupitz: Yes, Cardinal Cajetan. He has spent the entire day prostrate saying prayers as an act of humility.

Cardinal: Luther rise and recant, so that we may be on our way.

Luther: But your grace, I have not come all this way to Augsburg to do what I could have done so easily in Wittenberg. At least instruct me in my error.

Cardinal: It is true, you are indeed a clever man. You know that your trouble stems from the fact that you have denied the treasury of merits. In so doing you deny the way of salvation. It is from the treasury of merits that grace is dispensed to those who do penance.

33 Luther: But I can find no justification for such a doctrine of treasury.

Cardinal: Pope Clement VI said in the year 1343 that the merits of Christ are a treasure of indulgences.

Luther: Oh, yes, but you said that the merits of Christ are a to be acquired. He said they are a treasure. "To be" and "to acquire" do not mean the same thing. You need not think we Germans are ignorant of grammar.

Cardinal: My son, I did not come to wrangle with you. I came to reconcile you with the Roman Church.

Luther: But this reconciliation is only possible if I recant.

Cardinal: Yes, you see you do understand.

Luther: Yes this I understand, but I am not conscious of going against Scripture, the fathers, the decretals, or right reason. I may be in error. I will submit to the judgment of the universities of Basel, Freiburg, Louvain, and if need be Paris.

Cardinal: It is interesting that you have selected universities outside my jurisdiction.

Luther: Your grace, you have asked me to recant based upon an obscure statement from one pope. On this little evidence you want me to declare my writings in error. You want me to retreat from so many clear testimonies of the divine Scripture? In a matter of faith not only is a council above a pope but any one of the faithful if armed with Scripture has better authority and reason.

34 Cardinal: The Pope is the final interpreter of Scripture. He decides what it means. The Pope is above council, above Scripture, above everything in the Church, and above you.

Luther: His Holiness abuses Scripture. I deny that He is above Scripture.

Cardinal: Leave my presence now and do not come back until you are ready to recant.

[Luther Leaves]

Cardinal: Father Staupitz, I apologize for my outburst. But it is essential for Luther to recant. You are his dearest friend, he has been like a son to you. By whatever means urge him to recant before it is too late.

Staupitz: I have often tried, but I am not his equal. His ability and command of Scripture is far beyond mine. He began a quest many years ago and now he believes that he has found the answer. He was once a man filled with doubt, but now he is a man possessed by a knowledge that escapes me. I cannot persuade him to recant. You are the pope's representative in this matter. It is up to you.

Cardinal: I am not going to talk with him any more. His eyes are as a deep lake, and there are amazing speculations in his head.

[Cardinal leaves, Staupitz goes to Luther]

Staupitz: Brother Martin. I shall ask this once more and no more. Will you recant your writings against the Pope and the Church.

35 Luther: Father Staupitz, you know I cannot.

Staupitz: I know. Then there is only one thing for me to do.

Luther: I know that too.

Staupitz: Brother Martin, once you were a man filled with all too many doubts. Now you are a man who seems all too certain of this new truth you have found. You leave me no alternative. I must release you from your vow as an Augustinian. You are not longer a monk of the Augustinian Order. You are freed to follow your conscience. May God have mercy on your soul. . . Martin, this means the cardinal now has the authority to arrest you and take you for trial.

Luther: So be it, Father Staupitz.

Staupitz: You have friends in this city. Seek them out and go back to Wittenberg where you will be safe.

Luther: Safe, it is too late for that. [Curtain/lights down, then up] ======INTERMISSION ======

36 ACT FIVE SCENE 13 New Friend and An Old Foe (1519) [Classroom or study of Melancththon]

Melanchthon: Well hello Dr. Luther. To what do we owe this visit.

Luther: Master Philip, I have come to ask for your forgiveness. I have been terribly negligent in my duties toward you. I should have made time for a proper visit when you first arrived at our little Wittenberg.

Melanchthon: No apology is necessary, Dr. Luther. I understand. It is not as if you don't have much to do.

Luther: You're very kind. But I must also tell you that I have a second reason for calling on you. For all my study of theology, I am still sorely lacking in my Greek and Hebrew skills. You came to Wittenberg highly recommended for your language skills and I see by your writings and your lectures that the recommendation was well placed.

Melanchthon: I don't know what I could possibly teach you Dr. Luther?

Luther: Greek and Hebrew. Don't be fooled. What I have learned was forced into my head by God Himself. It took prayer, mediation on Holy Scripture, and a great deal of suffering to learn what I know.

Melanchthon: You seemed to have learned well. I have studied everything that you

37 have written and I am convinced that you are the greatest theologian in modern time. Your treatment of St. Paul is second to none. And the abuses cited in your treatises are plain enough to see.

[Carlstadt enters]

Carlstadt: Oh, there you are, Dr. Luther. I have it. They have agreed to it. Its right here.

Luther: Dean, what are you talking about?

Carlstadt: After months of negotiation, the debate with Johann Eck is on. We are being given the opportunity to debate Eck in defense of many of our theses.

Luther: So who is to debate Eck, you or me?

Carlstadt: Well Martin, we are being called upon to defend what is being called Wittenberg theology. I am the Dean of Studies, your superior. I have also defended you and your theses on indulgences against Eck in my own writings. I think I can handle the debate very well. All I need is my library.

Luther: Johann Eck is the best Romanist theologian in all Germany. You, Dr. Carlstadt, have no hope of winning even with all your books. You will do well if you make sense under his questioning. This is my fight and if Wittenberg is being called upon to defend Wittenberg theology, then it is my theology that is being called into question. I will share the platform with you.

38 Carlstadt: Well, if you feel so strongly, then we shall both debate Eck.

Luther: When and where is this debate to take place.

Carlstadt: At the University of Leipzig in June.

Melanchthon: Dr. Luther, would you like company?

Luther: Sure, Master Philip. Besides Dean is going to need all the help he can get carrying all those books. [Curtain/lights] ======

39 SCENE 14 The Hussite (1519) [ Debate Carlstadt and Eck are in the midst of their debate]

Eck: I really must object. I came here to debate Carlstadt on the doctrine of free will. I did not come to debate his library or endure a reading lesson.

Carlstadt: I use these books to keep from twisting Holy Scripture and the Church Fathers. Perhaps Dr. Eck, you would do well to use the books of learned men, instead of relying on your faulty memory, thus misusing and twisting the Scripture and the fathers.

Moderator: Dr. Carlstadt, Dr. Eck has been very patient with you. You know that in such debates as this one books are normally not permitted. We must insist that you set aside the library and debate Dr. Eck on equal terms.

Carlstadt: How do you expect me to continue without books? [Luther rises and walks to podium with flower in his hand.]

Eck: Dr. Luther, I see you are prepared to take over. Are we ready to move on to the issue of papal authority?

Luther: Yes, Dr. Eck, I would very much like to begin.

Eck: You don't need books, do you. Dr. Luther?

Luther: No, I need no books.

40 Eck: Dr. Luther, you maintain the Pope is pope not by divine right, but by a human arrangement.

Luther: That is correct.

Eck: Such a view can only lead to division of the church.

Luther: The number of popes makes no difference to the unity of the church. Even if there were ten popes or a thousand popes there would be no schism. The unity of Christendom could be preserved under numerous heads just as the separated nations under different sovereigns dwell in concord.

Eck: I marvel that the Reverend Father should forget the everlasting dissension of the English and the French. As for me, I confess one faith, one Lord Jesus Christ, and I venerate the Roman pontiff as Christ's vicar. The sacerdotal order that Peter was the first true pope commenced in the New Testament when our Lord Christ committed the papacy to Peter.

Luther: I challenge the validity of those decrees. They were fabricated and added later. No one will ever persuade me that the holy pope and martyr said that.

Eck: I see that you are following the damned errors of John Wyclif who said that it was not necessary for salvation to believe that the Roman church is above all others. And are you agreeing with Hus when he said that Peter was not the head of the Holy Catholic Church?

Luther: I reject the charge of Bohemianism. I have never approved of their schism.

41 Even though they had divine right on their side, they ought not to have withdrawn from the Church, because the highest divine right is unity and charity.

Eck: It would seem Dr. Luther, that you would want it both ways. You agree with Hus and other condemned heretics in denying the divine authority of the Papacy. But you say you want to keep the office intact by human agreement, although you believe it acts contrary to Scripture, all the time knowing that it is the divine authority of the Pope, which holds our church together. You are a Hussite!

Luther: Among the articles of John Hus, I find many which are plainly Christian and evangelical, which the universal Church cannot condemn. As for the article of Hus, that `it is not necessary for salvation to believe the Roman Church superior to all others' I do not care whether this comes from Wyclif or Hus. I know that many Greeks were saved though they never heard this article. It is not in the power of the Roman pontiff to create new articles of faith. No believing Christian can be coerced beyond the Holy Writ. By divine law we are forbidden to believe anything which is not established by divine Scripture or manifest revelation. I cannot believe that the Council of Constance would condemn these propositions of Hus. Perhaps these too have been added later.

Eck: They are recorded in the reliable history of Jerome and their authenticity has never been challenged by the Hussites.

Luther: Even so, the council did not say that all the articles of Hus were heretical. It said some were heretical, some erroneous, some blasphemous, some presumptuous, some seditious, and some offensive to pious ears. You should differentiate between which is which.

42 Eck: Whichever they are, none of them was called most Christian and Evangelical. If you defend them then you are heretical, erroneous, blasphemous, presumptuous, seditious, and offensive to pious ears.

Luther: I assert that a council has sometimes erred and may sometimes err. Nor does a church council have authority to establish new articles of faith. A council cannot make divine right out of that which by nature is not divine right. Councils have contradicted each other. A simple laymen armed with Scripture is to be believed above a pope or a council without it. For the sake of Scripture we should reject pope and councils.

Eck: But this, Dr. Luther, is the Bohemian virus to attach more weight to one's own interpretation of Scripture than to that of the popes and councils, the doctors and the universities. When Brother Luther says that this is the true meaning of the text, when pope and councils say "No, the brother has not understood it correctly," then I will take the council and let the brother go. Otherwise all heresies will be renewed. For they have all appealed to Scripture and have believed their interpretation to be correct, and have claimed that the popes and the councils were mistaken as Luther now does. Dr. Luther, are you the only one who knows Scripture? Except for you is all the church in error?

Luther: I answer that God once spoke through the mouth of an ass. I will tell you straight what I think. I am a Christian theologian; and I am bound, not only to attest to but to defend the truth with my blood and death. I want to believe freely and be a slave to the authority of no one, whether council, university, or pope. I will confidently confess what appears to me to be true, whether it has been asserted by a Catholic or a heretic, whether it has been approved or reproved by a council. [Curtain/lights down, then up]

43 ======SCENE 15 Excommunicated - (June 1524) [Luther in his study]

Luther: Good morning Spalatin.

Spalatin: No Martin, it is not a good morning.

Luther: Bad news then I assume.

Spalatin: Yes, Duke Frederick received this the day before last. It is a Papal Bull against you.

Luther: It has been so quiet lately, I had begun to think that Pope Leo X had forgotten me. What does the ass have to say now?

Spalatin: The ass, as you have called him, has spoken, . . . definitively.

[Lights down - Luther and Spalatin stand still while Bull is read. Leo X comes forth. Leo sit in papal chair. Lights up.]

Leo X: Arise O Lord and judge thy cause. A wild boar has invaded thy vineyard, Arise, O Peter, and consider the case of the Holy Roman Church, the mother of all churches, consecrated by thy blood. Arise, O Paul, who by thy teaching and death hast and dost illumine the Church. Arise, all ye saints, and the whole universal Church, whose interpretation of Scripture has been assailed. We can scarcely express our grief

44 over the ancient heresies which have been revived in Germany. We are the more downcast because she was always in the forefront of the war on heresy. Our pastoral office can no longer tolerate the pestiferous virus of the following forty-one errors. We can no longer suffer the serpent to creep through the field of the Lord. The books of Martin Luther which contain these errors are to be examined and burned. As for Martin Luther himself, good God, what office of paternal love have we omitted in order to recall him from his errors? Have we not offered him a safe conduct and money for the journey? . . . Now, therefore, we give Martin sixty days in which to submit, dating from the time of publication of this bull in his district. Anyone who presumes to infringe our excommunication and anathema will stand under the wrath of the Almighty God and the apostles Peter and Paul.

Spalatin: Martin, this was not unexpected. The rumors of this Bull have leaked out all over Europe. Many cities have put your books to the flames and want to do the same to you. You only have a few days recant your writings or the edict stands.

Luther: What is the date on the Bull?

Spalatin: June 24, 1520.

Luther: Today is October 10. That does not give me much time now does it> That is okay, I do not need much time.

Spalatin: Almost all of Germany is prepared to stand at your side. Duke Von Hutten has pledged 100 of his best knights to stand at your side as your personal body guards. Frederick and I have already filed an appeal on your behalf. The question is Martin, what are you going to do?

45 Luther: Thank Von Hutten for me, but body guards won't be necessary. For me the die is cast. I despise both Roman fury and Roman favor. I will not be reconciled or communicate with them. Let them damn and burn my books. I for my part, unless I cannot find a fire, will publicly damn and burn the whole canon law. I shall not sit still for this. Until now I have fought with one hand behind my back. But now I am convinced that this bull does not condemn me, but Christ Himself. The faith and the Church are at stake. I rejoice to suffer for such a noble cause. I am not worthy of such a holy trial. I am much freer now that I know that the Pope is the Anti-Christ. Spalatin, please thank Duke Frederick for interceding on my behalf. And Spalatin, thank you as well, good friend. But now I must fight, not with swords and armies, but with words, the words of Christ Himself. [Curtain/lights down]

Narrator: Over the next several months Luther taught and wrote challenging the church to be true to teachings of the apostles. 1520 was a good year for Luther. During that year he published some of his best works. Among them, An Address to the German Nobility, The Bondage of the Will, On the Freedom of A Christian, and The Babylonian Captivity of the Church. Each one clearly articulating the Gospel and applying it to virtually every realm of the Christian life. By the end of 1520 Pope Leo X and Charles V had had enough.

[Curtain/lights up]

Spalatin: Martin, it is set. Charles V has agreed to our appeal. You will have a hearing in Worms. You are to appear before the Diet on April 16, 1521. You have been promised safe conduct by Charles himself.

46 Luther: Hus was promised safe conduct in his day. A lot of good it did him.

Spalatin: Frederick and I believe that he will keep his word.

Luther: No matter. This is not the time to grow timid. [Curtain/lights] ======

47 SCENE 16 DIET OF WORMS

Here I Stand, God Help Me (1520-1521)

[Diet of Worms-Crowded Room-Charles seated on a big chair- table with books all over it. Eck signals Luther to come forward and points to the table ]

Eck: Dr. Martin Luther. You have been brought here to answer two questions. Have you written these books? What part of them are you now prepared to recant?

Luther: These books are mine and I have written more.

Eck: Do you defend them all or do you care to reject a part?

Luther: This booklet touches God and His Word. This one affects the salvation of souls. Of this Christ said, "He who denies me before men, him will I deny before my Father." To say too little or too much would be dangerous. I beg you, give me more time to think it over.

[Eck consult Charles V]

Eck: It is agreed. You have one day. You will return here tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. to give your answer. [Lights Down, Luther exits and await Eck's call-then light up]

48 Eck: Bring in Dr. Martin Luther [Luther enters] Do you defend these books altogether or do you care to reject some parts of these writings?

Luther: These books are all mine. But they are of different sorts. Some deal with faith and life so simply and evangelically that even my enemies are compelled to regard them as worthy of Christian reading. If I were to denounce these, I would be the only man on earth to damn the truth confessed alike by friends and foes. A second class of my works argues against the desolation of the Christian world by the evil lives and teaching of the papists. Who can deny this when universal complaints testify by the laws of the pope that men's consciences are racked?

Charles V: No!

Luther: A third class contains attacks on private individuals. I confess that I have been more caustic than is fitting for my profession, but I am being judged, not on my life, but for teaching Christ, and I cannot renounce these works either, without increasing tyranny and impiety.

Eck: Martin you have not sufficiently distinguished between your works. Your earlier works were bad and the latter even worse. Your plea to be heard from Scripture is the one always made by heretics. You do nothing but renew the errors of Wyclif and Hus. I ask you Martin-answer candidly and without horns-do you recant or not?

Luther: Since then Your Majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I can be instructed and convinced with evidence from the Holy Scriptures or with open, clear, and distinct grounds and reasoning-for my conscience is captive to the Word of God-then I cannot and will not

49 recant, because it is neither safe nor wise to act against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. So help me God! Amen. [Curtain/lights] ======

50 SCENE 17 The Up Rising & Return (1522) [Melanchthon Carlstadt in place. Spalatin enters-set-Wittenberg]

Spalatin: Gentlemen, what I am about to tell you cannot leave this room. If it does, Duke Frederick will not be able to guarantee Luther's safety.

Carlstadt: You know what has happened to Luther?

Melanchthon: You mean to tell us that Luther is safe.

Spalatin: For the time being.

Melanchthon: This is good news. Where is he? Can we see him?

Spalatin: No, that would place him in greater danger.

Carlstadt: Well, the important thing is that he is safe. But it is equally important that his work here in Wittenberg be carried on. As Dean of Studies I believe that it is time for me to pick up where Luther left off.

Melanchthon: Dean, I am not sure that would be wise. I think we need a little more time to think on this and, if possible, to consult with Dr. Luther.

Carlstadt: Young man, when you get to be my age you will able to see how important it is to strike while the iron is hot. Now is the time for prince and peasant to join together to free themselves from the chains of Rome. Now is the time to gather the fighting men

51 of Germany together to purge our church of idols and Roman rituals. By the time Luther returns, we will have purged the church of any and all pagan influences and Germany will be free. Good day gentlemen. I have work to do. [Carlstadt leaves]

Melanchthon: I am afraid with Dean Carlstadt in charge around here, there will be no Germany by the time Luther returns.

Spalatin: I am afraid you might be right Master Philip, but it is not safe for Luther in Wittenberg yet. [Curtain/lights down then up. Carlstadt and Melanchthon in a study]

Carlstadt: Well Master Philip, it has been ten months since Luther was forced into hiding and all is going well don't you think.

Melanchthon: No, you have made a mess of things here.

Carlstadt: Well I must not be doing too badly. Germany is still here, isn't it? It would appear that Charles V has decided not to challenge the church or the princes of Germany.

Melanchthon: The only reason that Charles has not invaded our land is because all of his resources are taken up fighting the Turks. He still needs some of our fighting men. His inability to attack and crush our, no your, reforms has nothing to do with fear of you, or of the mobs you have created. God is using the Turks to keep us safe for the time being. You Dean have created this mess.

52 Luther enters: Philip is right, Dean! You have made a mess of things here. You have been like all those other radicals who destroy and attack the Church of Christ. You have defamed the Holy Sacrament by telling the people they need not offer a confession and by treating the elements as common bread and wine used at the dinner table of pigs. You have urged the people to smash crucifixes and art works of sacred things. You have caused riots in the name of Christ. These things are not of Christ. So this is why the city council of Wittenberg has asked me to return. To clean up your mess! Dean, get out! You have gone too far! Your belong with the likes of Zwingli, Muntzer, and the other fanatics if riot and insurrection is what you have come to believe. [Carlstadt leaves] Now Master Philip, it is time to get back to work. We must rebuild what has been torn down.

Melanchthon: Yes, Dr. Luther. [Curtain/lights] ======

53 SCENE 18-a A Small Problem (1523) [set Luther in his study] [Alternative Scene with additional female parts in Appendix]

Spalatin: Martin, we have a small problem.

Luther: Well, there is something different. A small problem. If it is small, take it to Master Philip. I am only in charge of big problems. Popes and bishops, kings and heretics.

Spalatin: Well, Martin. This problem is a little different than what we are used to handling.

Luther: In what way.

Spalatin: Nuns.

Luther: We have a nun problem?

Spalatin: Well, we have twelve nuns who no longer want to be nuns, but they are not being permitted to leave the nunnery. They are in effect prisoners and would like us to help them escape.

Luther: Escape. They want us to help them escape? [George nods his head emphatically) George what are we doing to do with them once we have them? Don’t we have enough trouble dealing with popes, and kings, and bishops, and councilmen.

54 Now women! This whole mess is getting complicated.

Spalatin: Well, some of the priests are beginning to marry. I don't think it would be hard to marry these nuns off once we get them here. In fact, as the chief theologian and the famous Martin Luther, I bet you could have the pick of the litter.

Luther: Forty years I have been without a wife and if God grants me more time on this earth, it will be another forty years, if I even live that long, which is highly unlikely. Besides, I'm not doing to bad as a single man.

Spalatin: Well Martin, I have been meaning to talk to you about that. How often do you wash your clothes and your blankets could use a good cleaning as well. And . . . . well how often do you actually bathe? Really, Martin, you could do a better job with hygiene. And your health, well you might be a bit healthier if you had someone to help look after you and keep the house and such. You know a proper helpmate.

Luther: More secretarial help is what I need, not a wife. Now as for those nuns, so to be wives and mothers, make the arrangements for their escape, but my name better not be on anyone’s possible grooms list.

[Curtain/lights down, then up]

Spalatin: Well, Martin, it is set. On Holy Saturday, the eve before Easter morning, Leonard Kopp, the pickle and herring man will leave 12 empty herring and beer barrels behind the eating quarters. After eating they will each retire to their rooms for the bed check. Once they have been checked in, the nuns will make their way, four at a time, to the barrels and climb in. Mr. Kopp will load them into his cart and out the front gate

55 they will go.

Luther: They are going to escape inside herring and beer barrels? If they show up smelling like pickles and beer when they arrive in Wittenberg, that might make it easier to attract a husband? [Curtain/lights] SCENE 19 Here Comes The Groom (1523-1525) [Luther's home] Melanchthon: Dr. Luther, who would have thought marrying off nine women would have been so difficult.

Luther: Not me. We started with twelve. Three of them returned home and nine came to Wittenberg. For more than a year and a half we have been trying to marry off these women, and we still have three to go. A wagon load of vestal virgins shows up in a town like this and still it has been near impossible to get them married off.

Spalatin: It has certainly been a challenge. But what do you expect when they show up smelling like herring and beer. I don't know what has been harder on you, Martin, the peasant wars or these three women. Martin, have you thought of taking one of these brides to be your wife.

Luther: Banish the thought from your mind! Do not be surprised if I never wed, even though the people say that I am a famous lover and have managed to please three women. No I will never wed for I have had three wives over these past months and I have loved them dearly as children, without benefit, or the fruit of my labor. But good news, it appears two are about to depart.

56 Melanchthon: Well, that is good news.

Luther: Amen, Master Philip. Although I don't mind telling you Katherine remains the biggest challenge.

Spalatin: Yes, now there is a woman who has made this job so very difficult. She cannot hold her tongue and many do not like her. The truth is she simply frightens men away. Too independent and outspoken.

Melanchthon: She frightens me.

Luther: Frightens people, even men? Why I have never felt that way. Frustration, yes. Anger, yes, but never frightened.

Melanchthon: But Dr. Luther, the Pope does not even frighten you.

Spalatin: Don't worry there will come a day when Katherine will.

Luther: And what does that mean?

Spalatin: Just that you should give more thought to marrying Katherine yourself. She has made it known that she will only agree to marry you or Nicholas Amsdorf.

Luther: Well, we will see about that. Now if you will excuse me gentlemen I must have a talk with the lady in waiting. . . [Spalatin and Melanchthon exit] Katherine! Katherine! May I see you for a moment?

57 Katherine: Yes, Dr. Luther.

Luther: Katherine, it has been over a year and a half and every man I have tried to secure for you has either been unacceptable to you or quite frankly has been frightened off by you.

Katherine: By me, Dr. Luther?

Luther: By you. You know very well that you do not hold your tongue as you should.

Katherine: Yes, Dr. Luther.

Luther: Now I have talked with Dr. Glatz.

Katherine: No Dr. Luther. I do not mean to be trouble to you. You have been very kind to me. But Dr. Glatz is out of the question.

Luther: But why? He is a fine man and would be a good provider for you.

Katherine: I simply don't want to marry him.

Luther: Well it is rumored that you are holding out to marry Amsdorf. Will you marry Amsdorf.

Katherine: Maybe. If there are no other alternatives.

Luther: Well we are running out of alternatives quickly Katherine.

58 Katherine: There are still other alternatives, Dr. Luther.

Luther: Well, if you are thinking of me you can put that out of your head.

Katherine: Did I say that, Dr. Luther?

Luther: I am a wanted man. If I leave Wittenberg, I will most certainly be killed. There is no guarantee that some bounty hunter wouldn't sneak in at night and kill me while I sleep in my bed.

Katherine: Perhaps that is why there ought to be someone else in bed with you Dr. Luther . . . to keep watch.

Luther: Well you can just put that thought right out of your mind. I am 42 years old. I am past the marrying age. You are young enough to be my daughter. If I were to marry you it would be a scandal. They would say of Martin Luther, "See he is little more than a dirty old man who attacked the pope so that he could take a wife and enjoy . . ."

Katherine: Enjoy what, Dr. Luther?

Luther: Never you mind. Just put any thought of marriage to me out of your mind.

Katherine: But I did not bring it up, Dr. Luther.

Luther: It makes no difference who brought it up. Put it out of your mind.

Katherine: Yes, Dr. Luther, if you say so.

59 [Curtain/light - set pub] ======

60 SCENE 20 Angels Laugh and Devils Weep (1525) [Luther, Spalatin, Melanchthon, Amsdorf at the pub]

Spalatin: Gentlemen, I would like to read you a note sent to me by Brother Martin here. "To Spalatin: You must come to my wedding. I have made the angels laugh and the devils weep. Undoubtedly the rumor of my marriage has reached you. I can hardly believe it myself, but the witnesses are too strong."

Melanchthon: Well here's to the mighty Dr. Luther, who on the thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord 1525 took a wife and now he knows what it is to fear.

Luther: It was indeed a shock after 42 years of waking up and finding all of a sudden a set of pig tails on my pillow. God has mocked and tricked me gentlemen. But it seems I like the joke.

Amsdorf: Martin, you are many things, but a romantic is not one of them. Who else would tell his bride and the world, I have married for three reasons. First to please my father and pass on the family name. Second, I have married to spite the pope and the devil, and third, I have married not for love, but to seal my witness before martyrdom.

Melanchthon: Well, Amsdorf, do you think being married to Katherine will cure Dr. Luther of his love for coarse jokes.

Spalatin: Master Philip, it will take the resurrection for that to happen. What do you think Amsdorf.

61 Amsdorf: We have enjoyed watching you Martin in this change of life. You and Katherine make a fine couple. You believe money is for spending and giving away. Katherine believes it is for saving and keeping food in the house. Still, I am happy for you. Because if it weren't you, it might have been me.

Luther: Gentlemen, say what you will, but when it comes to women there are many more with more annoying traits than those that flow from Katie. Yet, she is a delight, even with all the changes she is bringing to my life.

Spalatin: If you think marriage is a change, Martin. You just wait.

Martin: Wait for what? [Curtain/lights] ======

62 SCENE 21 Irreconcilable Differences (1529) [Melanchthon enters, Katie and Kids in the Room]

Katie: Good morning, Master Philip.

Melanchthon: Good morning, Mrs. Luther. Is Dr. Luther home?

Katie: Oh yes, he is in his study as usual. [Melanchthon waits] And that children is how your father became famous. . . Oh, did you want to see him Master Philip?

Melanchthon: Yes, Mrs. Luther.

Katie: Well, have you brought good news or bad?

Melanchthon: Good news. . . I think.

Katie: Master Philip, if you are requiring more work for my husband, then it is bad news.

Melanchthon: Then it is bad.

Katie: I thought so. Whenever you or George Spalatin or Nicholas Amsdorf show up it is always more work and bad news. So what bear is he to slay this time?

Melanchthon: Excuse me, Madam?

63 Katie: Who do you want him to debate this time and where?

Melanchthon: Zwingli in the City of Marburg.

Katie: Can't people leave Dr. Luther alone to do his work. No sooner has he finished with that idiot Erasmus, now you want him to run off to some other place where he might be killed, just to argue with a couple of fellows who don't have the faith to believe Jesus when he says, "This is my body." [Luther enters]

Luther: Master Philip, I thought I heard my wife harassing you.

Melanchthon: Yes she was. She seems to enjoy it.

Luther: Yes, she does Philip. But don't let her fool you. She loves you dearly.

Melanchthon: Yes, and if I remember correctly the Pope excommunicated you in the name of love as well.

Luther: So the debate with Zwingli is on, even though I have said I am finished with the whole matter and have turned down this debate before. Philip, Eck was right about one thing. When I began the work of reforming the church there was only one visible church. The Holy Roman Church. Now there are scores of sects. Eck said that before this was done every heresy would be unleashed and so it has. He does not mind that his heresy stands. He just didn't want competition. Now there are preachers denying the sacraments and the two natures of Christ. Some attack the Holy office of ministry. Some have no regard for doctrine at all. "Let's all

64 just love Jesus they say and set aside doctrine." There are even some who deny the Trinity and who claim God has take them up into heaven to talk with them personally. To listen to them some must have swallowed the Holy Spirit feathers and all. I fight with these heretics as I must. Although I think Mrs. Luther summarized the matter quite well don't you? These are people who simply don't have the faith to believe Christ's words. Well Katie, would you like to go in my place and do your best to persuade Zwingli of his error?

Katie: I am a smarter woman than that. I wouldn't waste my time on a man who simply can't read.

Luther: Yes, I think she would do quite well.

Melanchthon: Well if Zwingli won't listen to clear reason from Scripture, perhaps Mrs. Luther will frighten him into the light. In all due respect, Dr. Luther, I believe that you should meet with Zwingli to debate the matter. The princes arranged it and both Philip of Hesse and Lord Landgrave are strongly urging that you reconsider the matter. But if our Lutheran and Reformed territories can work out these differences, then we can forge a political alliance. We hope that will discourage Charles V from an invasion.

Luther: So be it and be done with it. Let the devils come. I will not compromise one eternal truth for the sake of temporal gain.

Melanchthon: No one is asking you to do that Dr. Luther. They simply want one final attempt to come to some common agreement on the basic articles of faith.

Luther: Has Zwingli modified his view of the Lord's Supper?

65 Melanchthon: No, but I have been corresponding with him and I have reason to hope that an acceptable wording on the Lord's Supper might be possible.

Luther: An acceptable wording. Is that all we seek! If Zwingli has not changed his position, then I don't know what can be accomplished by such a debate. Let Katie at him.

Melanchthon: What then shall I tell Lord Landgrave and Philip?

Luther: Tell them that out of respect for them, I will meet with this Sacramentarian and will show conclusively that we have irreconcilable difference.

[Curtain/lights] ======

66 SCENE 22 This Is My Body (1529) [light down - Zwingli, Luther, and Melanchthon take their places, Lights up.]

Luther: Most illustrious prince, my gracious lord! I do not doubt that this colloquy has been planned and arranged with good intentions. As for me, my opinion is firmly established and I desire to adhere to it until my death. As to the Lord's Supper, Zwingli these are your fundamental principles. First you want to prove your case by logical conclusions. Second, you hold that a body cannot be in two places at the same time, and you put forward the argument that a body cannot be without limitation. And third, you appeal to natural reason. To the Word of God one must yield. It is up to you to prove that the body of Christ is not there when Christ himself says, "This is my body."

Zwingli: The Holy Scripture often employs figurative speech, metaphors, and the like. Thus the words, "This is my body" may be figurative speech, as is the case in St. John chapter six.

Luther: I do not deny that there are cases of figurative speech in the Scripture. Still you have to prove that this is such a case.

Zwingli: You regard the assumption of Christ's being in the bread to be a belief. It is an opinion not a belief. It is wrong to attribute too much to the element.

Luther: I go back to the words of the Lord's Supper. If I speak of the body which is given for us, then this is no base understanding of Scripture.

Zwingli: You agree that there is a spiritual eating which is faith. If then we have a

67 spiritual eating, why should there be the need for a bodily eating?

Luther: We have the command, "Take eat, this is my body." Christ gives himself to us in many ways: first, in the preaching of the Word, secondly in baptism; thirdly in the brotherly consolation; fourthly in the Sacrament as often as the body of Christ is eaten, because He Himself commands us to do so. If God ordered me to eat dung I would do so. Let not the servant of God inquire about the will of the Lord. We ought to close our eyes.

Zwingli: Doctor where is it written that we should go through the Scripture with our eyes closed? We should go through Scripture and compare one passage with another, John chapter 6 to others.

Luther: And I abide by my text.

Zwingli: It is prejudice if you Dr. Luther, will not give up your opinion. You are not ready to give up unless a passage is quoted which proves that in the Lord's Supper the body is spoken of metaphorically. This is the prejudice of heretics. Some of your words please me, others not, because they seem pretty childish, as, for example, `If God ordered me to eat dung.' The soul eats spirit and not flesh. That is not the way God acts. I beg you not to be angry with me.

Luther: I promise not to yield to any passion for the sake of God and the prince. If God told me to eat a crab-apple, I should eat spiritually. For wherever the Word of God is, there is spiritual eating. Whenever God speaks to us, faith is required and such faith means eating. If however, He adds bodily eating to that, we are bound to obey. In faith we eat this body which is given to us. While the mouth receives the body of Christ, the

68 soul believes the words when eating the body.

Zwingli: And yet it cannot be proved that John 6 speaks of bodily eating.

Luther: Your logic is very poor here.

Zwingli: No, that passage will break your neck!

Luther: Do not be conceited. Necks do not break so easily here. You are in Hesse, not in Switzerland. Christ's body is death, poison, and devil to those who eat unworthily.

Zwingli: I apologize for having used an expression common among my people.

Zwingli: Dr. Luther, Master Philip, what we are agreed upon is that Christ is in heaven according to his divinity and in the Lord's Supper according to His divinity.

Luther: Christ is indeed present in the preaching of His Word, in Baptism, and in the Lord's Supper. You may distinguish between his humanity and his divinity until he comes again, but I have no interest in this.

Zwingli: You should not cling to the humanity and the flesh of Christ, but rather to His divinity.

Luther: I do not know of any God except him who was made flesh, nor do I want to have another. And there is no God who can save us, but the God who is incarnate. I do not know of any other means but to give due honor to the Word of God and to believe with us. I remain in my faith. I cannot give in.

69 Zwingli: We can neither comprehend nor believe that the body of Christ is there.

Luther: I commend you to God and his judgment.

Zwingli: It has also been my eager wish to have you as a friend, and I still ask for that, There are no men, not even in Italy and France, whom I would like to see more than you.

Luther: Ask God to enlighten you.

Zwingli: You too should ask for that. You need it no less.

Luther: Your spirit and our spirit cannot go together. Indeed, it is quite obvious that we do not have the same spirit. Therefore, we commend you to the judgment of God. Teach as you think you can defend in the sight of God. [Curtain/lights] ======

70 SCENE 23-a NARRATION The Augsburg Confession (1530) [Alternative scene in Appendix]

Narrator: The Reformation began with the publication of the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517. By the year 1530 the Lutheran Reformation had spread throughout Germany and Scandinavia. War with the Turks in the east had prevented Charles from invading Germany to crush the Lutheran Reformation. But by 1530 Charles V had decided to find out where the German states stood on this matter, so he convened the Diet of Augsburg in June of 1530. King Charles had expected Germany to return to the Romanist faith. But the Lutherans regarded this meeting as an opportunity to confess the true faith before the world. The faculty of Wittenberg appointed Melanchthon as the principle author of the Augsburg Confession. On June 25, 1530 Philip Melanchthon stood before Charles V and read out loud the Augsburg Confession in German for the common people to hear. In 28 articles the Lutherans, known then as the Evangelicals, stated clearly and without compromise the fundamental articles of the Christian faith. The theological center of this confession was Article IV, the article of justification. "Salvation is by grace through faith, in Christ Jesus alone, for Christ's sake alone." Since Luther was still an outlaw with a death sentence on his head, it was decided that Luther would remain behind at the Castle Coburg miles away from Augsburg, but close enough to receive reports on the events of Augsburg. When Luther read the first draft of the Augsburg Confession he said, "It pleases me very much and I do not know how I could improve on or alter it for I cannot tread so softly and lightly." The Lutherans stood between two great theological and political forces, the Romanists on the one side and the Reformed Churches on the other. Great pressure was placed upon Melanchthon to compromise, but under the watchful eye of Luther,

71 there would be no compromise. The presentation of the Augsburg Confession was the high point of the Lutheran Reformation. On July 6, 1530 while still at the Castle Coburg Luther wrote. "I am tremendously pleased to have lived to this moment when Christ has been publicly proclaimed by His staunch confessors in such a great assembly by means of this truly most beautiful confession." Thunderclouds soon appeared and what Luther had suspected all along came to pass. On July 12 Johann Eck gave the Emperor Charles the Confutation of the Augsburg Confession. It rejected the apostolic faith set forth in the Augsburg Confession and demanded that every one who signed the Augsburg Confession to submit. The Wittenberg delegation returned home and with Luther continued the work of reforming the church. ======

72 ACT SIX SCENE 24 - a Here We Go Again (1536) [Wittenberg classroom. Melanchthon enters]

Melanchthon: Good day Dr. Luther.

Luther: You can only say that because you do not have my bowels. It used to be that a good fart could make me feel better. But not any more. The years I spent as a blind monk still take their toll on me. How is it that we have fallen so far. In 1530, Philip you stood before the Emperor and before all the papists, and on behalf of all the German people you offered a confession of the one true Christ and of His apostolic doctrine. On that day we all spoke with one voice. Now look at us. Rumors of Romanist armies have us once again debating what can and cannot be compromised. Even you, Philip, are still trying to find the middle ground, where there is no middle ground to be found. Pastors who call themselves evangelicals and claim my name, do not even know the doctrines of the Small Catechism, let alone the Augsburg Confession. Once I am gone, many will rise up and will claim to follow the teachings of the mighty Dr. Luther, but they will use me in ways that I have never intended. They will make me say things I have never said. Master Philip, the Gospel is like a Thunderstorm. It has poured itself out upon the German people, soon it will move on and our land will dry up just as it was before.

Melanchthon: It is not all bad news. Today, thanks to you the German people are able to read the Scriptures in their own tongue. Your reforms of the Mass have enabled people to come before God to receive His grace and understand the liturgy. Your

73 hymns now have the people singing the Gospel. Many of our schools have been reformed and many others are moving in that direction. The changes you are making here at the University have enabled men to study for the Holy Ministry in the true knowledge and confidence of the Gospel.

Luther: Yes, these things are true and I suppose I should be happy about what God has done. They say they do not want to be reformed by such a beggar. Yet this same beggar has done a good job at reforming them. But praise God I have done more reforming with my Gospel than they have done with five councils. To date they have done nothing but deal with trifling matters which have nothing to do with the Christian Church. But now the papal asses have convinced our idiot German princes that there will be a ecumenical council soon where we may fairly defend our doctrine and strike a compromise. No doubt they will strike the same compromise as the one reached between Eck and me. The Bible is the final authority in the church or it is not. And what of the compromise reached between Erasmus and me. I say apart from Christ there is no free will. Erasmus says all people are born with a free will. And what of compromise between Zwingli and me. It is the true body and blood in the sacrament of the Altar or not. Then there was the compromise between the Diet of Augsburg and the German people. Justification by faith or works righteousness. All fine compromises Master Philip. Now our political leaders would like me to set down in writing what may and may not be compromised in regard to our articles of faith.

Melanchthon: Yes, I know Dr. Luther.

Luther: And what assignment have they given you?

74 Melanchthon: They did not want to burden you with more work, with your health and all. So they have asked me to write a treatise on the power and primacy of the Pope.

Luther: You are indeed a gentle soul Master Philip and I see that the German princes are not idiots after all. It is best that you write against the Pope. You will say the same thing, but without my coarse language. However, if you wish to quote me, he and his bishops are still asses. ======

75 SCENE 25 “Anfechtungen” (1540) [curtain/lights set Luther's home]

Katie: George, please come in.

Spalatin: How is Dr. Luther?

Katie: Physically, he is much better. The kidney stones passed the day before last. I was so frightened. I thought he was surely going to die this time. Even the whites of his eyes were yellow and the pain took everything out of him. I want to thank you for taking his classes and for all your prayers.

Spalatin: How is he otherwise?

Katie: Not well. I have not seen Him this depressed in a very long time. He has not been out of his room for days. This is the worst he has been in eleven years. He calls it Anfechtungen, total despair. He lies there shouting at the devil. He is convinced that the devil has afflicted him with all these illnesses and he feels as though God has abandoned him.

Spalatin: Katherine, it may well be that the devil troubles him. For who has done more to restore the Gospel than Dr. Luther. I am sure he will come out of it okay. God has not left him. In fact, if I remember correctly, he wrote "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" eleven years ago in a fit of depression. Perhaps he will emerge with another great hymn. But know this, we will pray for him and for you in this time of trouble.

76 [Curtain - Katie and kids are dressed in black - lights up] [Luther enters and find Katie and kids in black]

Luther: Tell me Katherine, who has died while I have been ill and in torment?

Katie: From the way you have been behaving lately, we thought God had died. Is it true? ======

77 SCENE 26 All We are Beggars (1546) [set-Luther's home with Katie]

Katie: Dr. Luther are you sure you want to do this?

Luther: Kette-my chain-It has been a long and bitter strike between the miners and the mine owners. Some of my own relatives have been warring against one another. They have asked me to help mediate between the parties and it is my duty to help.

Katie: They did not ask you to help. You butted in as always and were fool enough to give your word to return. Now you are off in the middle of winter and in such a weak condition.

Luther: I feel fine. Better than I have felt in weeks. Besides, Doctor Jonas, my personal physician is going along as well as my eldest two sons. If I cannot make it under my own power, Hans and Paul have strict instructions to tie me to the donkey and haul me back. Ha, that would be a site. A donkey with two asses.

[Curtain/lights down, then up. Luther is standing in a pulpit.]

[Spalatin was not present as the Luther's death. A man named Coelius was with Dr. Jonas at Luther's death bed.]

Luther: Well then gentlemen, it was not easy, but a working contract has been reached between the miners and the owners. The strike is over. In celebration and thankfulness, please rise for a reading from the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew 11:25-30.

78 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes. {26} "Yes, Father, for thus it was well-pleasing in Thy sight. {27} "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. {28} "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. {29} "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. {30} "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Here our Lord teaches every man who will hear to turn away from lies and not to judge things with your eyes, but rather judge things according to God's word and faith. . . Please excuse me, I apologize. I cannot finish, I am too weak.

[Luther is helped to the bed by Spalatin and Jonas. Luther lies on the bed.]

Luther: O Lord, I am in such pain! My dear Doctor Jonas, I guess I shall have to remain here in Eisleben where I was born and baptized.

Jonas: Reverend Father, call upon your dear Lord Jesus Christ, our high Priest. You have perspired well and freely. God grant, you will feel better.

Luther: Yes, it is a cold and deathly sweat. I shall give up the spirit because the illness has become more severe.

Jonas: Rest Reverend Father. . . Reverend Father, do you wish to die, standing up for

79 Christ and for the Teaching that you have preached?"

Luther: Yes.

Jonas: He has gone to his Heavenly Father.

Spalatin/Coelius: What do you hold in your hand.

Jonas: It is a note someone gave him. I pulled from his pocket a little while ago.

Spalatin/Coelius: What does it say [hands him the note]. "No one can think that he has tasted the Holy Scriptures thoroughly until he has ruled over the churches with the prophets for a hundred years."

Jonas: Look at the bottom. That's Dr. Luther's reply in his own hand.

Spalatin/Coelius: "This is true. We are all beggars."

The End

80 Appendix

Additional and Alternative Scenes

Scene 5-b "I Will Become a Monk!" Scene 10-b "The Reformation Begins" Scene 11-b "The Theology of the Cross Breaks Through"

Scene 18-b "Here Comes the Groom" & Scene 18-c "The Great Escape"

Scene 20-b "The Augsburg Confession" Scene 22-b "Here We Go Again" SCENE 5-b I Will Become A Monk! (1505) [It is dark, stage barely lit, lightening and thunder grows in intensity. Martin Luther walks slowly across stage.]

Luther: Oh, this is just great. Miles from anywhere and a storm. Wasn't it bad enough that I had to tell my father that I was considering the monastery instead of a lecturing seat and law school? Now that was a storm. Still, this one looks like it is going to be a big one. What is it with me God? Do you desire my company so badly? Can't you leave me alone? Day and night, night and day. Must you always remind me that I am a sinful creature, always just one moment, or one step away from death and Your judgment? I am so young, yet this past year death has come so close to me that I have become like a child afraid of the dark. First, one of my dearest friends was struck down by the plague. This so You could warn me that I might be next. Then just a few months ago, I was walking through these very woods and nearly bled to death. Alright, alright, that was my fault. I got a little careless with my ceremonial sword. It was my fault not Yours. But this storm cannot be blamed on me. No, this is not my fault!

[A loud crack of thunder and lightning strikes near Luther's feet. Luther is thrown to the ground and in fear for his life he shouts.] "Help me St. Anne. I will become a monk!" [Curtain/lights] SCENE 10-b The Reformation Begins (1517) [Tetzel standing on a platform with peasant standing round]

Tetzel: Listen now, God and St. Peter. Consider the salvation of your souls and those of your loved ones departed. You priests, you nobles, you merchants, you virgin, you matron, you youth, you old man, enter now into your church, which is the Church of St. Peter. Visit the most holy cross erected before you and ever imploring you. Have you considered that you are caught in the temptations and dangers of this life, and that you do not know whether you can reach the haven, the resting place of your soul? Consider that all who are contrite and have confessed and made contribution will receive complete remission of all their sins. Listen to the voices of your dead relatives and friends, asking you and saying to you, "Pity us, pity us. We are in dire torment from which you can free us for a pittance." Open your ears. Hear the father saying to his son, the mother to her daughter, "We bore you, nourished you, brought you up, left you our fortunes, and you are so cruel and hard that now you are not willing for so little to set us free. Will you let us lie here in flames? Will you delay our promised glory?" Remember that you are able to release them. "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." Will you not then for a quarter of a florin receive these letters of indulgences through which you are able to lead a divine and immortal soul into the fatherland of paradise?

Woman 1: Yea, I will purchase one for my departed mother-in-law, God rest her soul, she was a sweet thing.

Man 1: I too will purchase one, but not for my mother-in-law for she left me no fortune, nor gave me birth. She did give birth to my wife, but that was no favor. But for my own mother, now there is a lady that should be blessed and released from the flames of purgatory.

Tetzel: Yes brothers and sisters, this indulgence gives participation in every Mass from now until our Lord comes again. This indulgence is signed by Pope Leo X and the monies will be used to complete St. Peter's Cathedral, the greatest church ever built to our Lord. Once you purchase this indulgence for whomever you want, for your own mother or brother, or one for yourself, the soul is free and there will be no need for the soul to suffer in purgatory any longer. [hands out indulgences]

[On the opposite side of the stage Luther walks out and posts his 95 Theses. Shortly after that students walk out holding a light and read some of the Theses and translate.]

Student 1: When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, said, "Repent," He called for the entire life of believers to be one of penitence.

Student 2: Look here at number 5. "The pope has neither the will nor the power to remit any penalties beyond those imposed either at his own discretion or by canon law."

Student 1: It's a shame that these are in Latin. We should translate and published them in German. I think some of the Wittenbergers would like to read these.

Student 3: I don't know. They're in Latin. Dr. Luther means to debate these with scholars, not distribute them to peasants. I wouldn't want to get Dr. Luther in trouble. I have him for class.

Student 2: How can a professor get into trouble. Besides I have had Dr. Luther for several classes. I don't think he'd mind. If he gets angry, we will just invite him out for a beer. That usually restores Dr. Luther to his good natured self.

Student 2: Besides, other than the citizens of Wittenberg who can possibly find out?

Student 3: Oh look at number 6, "The pope himself cannot remit guilt, but only declare and confirm that it has been remitted by God;"

[students exit, Tetzel appears opposite stage]

Tetzel: 27. There is no divine authority for preaching that the soul flies out of purgatory immediately when the money clinks in the bottom of the chest. 28. It is certainly possible that when the money clinks in the bottom of the chest covetousness and greed increase, but when the church offers intercession, all depends on the will of God. [Tetzel leaves Pope's Party enters]

Eck: #82. Why does not the pope liberate everyone from purgatory for the sake of love (a most holy thing) and because of the supreme necessity of their souls? This would be morally the best of all reasons. Meanwhile, he redeems countless souls for money, a most perishable thing, with which to build St. Peter's church, a very minor purpose.

#86 Again since the Pope's income today is larger than that of the wealthiest men, why does he not build this one church of St. Peter with his own money, rather than with the money of indigent believers?

Leo X: I have heard enough. Who is this dirty little monk? He is but a fly from a dirty little backwards German town. Does he think he can call into question the Holy Roman Church? Eck: Apparently, Your Holiness.

Leo X: Luther is to be silenced. Direct the Augustinians to bridle his tongue and put a stop to his hand. What does Tetzel need in order to refute this drunken German.

Eck: Well Luther holds a Doctor of Theology. If Tetzel's rebuke is going to be taken seriously, it would be best for Tetzel to have a doctorate of theology as well.

Leo X: Then make the arrangements. I do not want this matter to go on any longer than need be. The worst is behind us.

[Curtain, Luther enters opposite side, Spalatin, Carlstadt, and Staupitz follow.]

Spalatin: Luther, Oh Brother Martin. You have really stepped in it now.

Luther: Oh, really? [looks at the bottoms of his feet.]

Carlstadt: Dr. Luther, really this matter is serious. You have made a lot of people very angry. Everyone from the peasants on the street to his Holiness himself.

Luther: Don't you think you two are overreacting. I was only doing my job. I took an oath when I received my doctorate. I pledged that I would teach, and speak, and defend the truth. My Theses were meant for academic debate.

Staupitz: Brother Martin, I am afraid these two are right. Whether you meant to or not, with your 95 Theses you have called into question the very authority of His Holiness, the Pope, not to mention the use of indulgences. Luther: I have not questioned the use of indulgences. Rather I have called into question their abuse. I still maintain that there is a proper place for them. Father Staupitz, what would you have me do? I took a holy oath before God and the church to seek out and defend the truth. Look I have been studying more and more of the original Greek, although I am not very good at it. But this much I have found, our Latin Bible says in Matthew 4:17 "Do penance for the kingdom of God is at hand." But the Greek says, "Be penitent." Don't you see? Doing penance has nothing to do with it. It is repentance, being repentant, that's what matters. A change of mind and heart. This is what God seeks, not our acts done half-heartily to justify ourselves.

Carlstadt: Dr. Luther, are you saying that we are not to become better people? To be better people, to please God we must do good works. For Aristotle and our church theologians teach that a person becomes good doing good works-the practice of habitus. After all Dr. Luther, we must exercise the free will given to very human being.

Luther: And I tell you Dean, that good fruit comes from a good tree. And Jesus said that He is the vine and we are the branches. If our works are going to be of any value they must be done by faith in Christ Jesus. As to free will, I do not know about that.

Carlstadt: But we must do what is within us. That is all God asks. For some people that is more and for others that is less.

Luther: So which are you Dean, the more or the less?

Spalatin: Luther, we have been friends for a very long time. If I understand you correctly, this new doctrine of yours could tear the foundation of our church out from under her. This view you present is contrary to all that has been set in place. Please be careful. Luther: I seek not to destroy the church, but to enlighten her with Holy Scriptures. Besides, how could a little monk from Wittenberg threaten the true foundation of the church, for that foundation is the prophets and apostles.

Carlstadt: Well, Dr. Luther, if you wanted a debate on your theology, you have it now. Here, this is an invitation to Heidelberg. You are to represent us at the Disputation in April of this coming year. You are expected to defend your theses on indulgences.

Luther: And so I shall on April 25 1518. [Curtain/lights] ======

SCENE 11-b The Theology of the Cross Breaks Through (1518) [set- lecture hall, platform and podium]

Theologian 1: Well, the moment we all come for is just about here.

Theologian 2: Frederick the Wise wanted to put his little university on the map and it appears that Luther is going to be the one to put it there.

Theologian 1: I think Luther is all wet and if he doesn't back off, Pope Leo will make sure that Wittenberg isn't found on any map.

Theologian 3: The last time the Papacy was attacked, was when John Hus called into question the Pope's authority. some compare Luther to Hus.

Theologian 1: It didn't take long for Hus to find out just how far the Pope's authority went. This much we can say. The Pope certainly has the authority to burn at the stake anyone who questions that authority.

Theologian 2: Well, hearing Luther defend his position on indulgences will almost make the trip and all those boring reports worth it.

Theologian 1: Quiet here is Dr. Luther now.

[Luther steps into the podium]

Luther: Dear Brothers, fellow Augustinians, distinguished colleagues, and professors. You came to hear me speak on indulgences and to defend my 95 theses. But I do not want to waste your time with trifles. There is much more to de discussed than the practice of indulgences. Over the past few months I have been forced to respond to my critics to look further and deeper into Scripture and our church's practices and I have seen that my journey has only begun. So this morning, I place before you 28, not 95, Theses. Listen carefully to these 28 statements for in them we get to the very heart of the matter.

#1. The Law of God, although, the soundest doctrine of life, is not able to bring a man to righteousness, but rather stands in the way. #3. The works of men may always be attractive and seemingly good, It appears nevertheless that they are mortal sins. #4 The works of God may always appear to be unattractive and seemingly bad. They are nevertheless truly immortal merit. #13 "Free Will" after the fall is nothing but a word, and as long as it is doing what is within it, it is committing deadly sin. #19 The one who beholds what is invisible of God, through the perception of what is made, is not rightly called a theologian. #20 Rather the one who perceives what is visible of God, God's backside, by beholding the suffering and the cross [this one is rightly called a theologian]. #21. The theologian of glory calls a good thing bad and a bad thing good. The theology of the cross says what the thing is. #26 The Law says, "Do this!" and it is never done. Grace says: "Believe in this one! and forthwith everything is done." #28 The love of God does not find its object, rather it creates it.

[other stand around debating. Luther goes to Staupitz}

Staupitz: Brother Martin, do you realize what you have done here today.

Luther: Yes, Father Staupitz. I know exactly what I have done here today. I have set our church on it head. I have found the battle field and now I must trust in God.

Theologian 1: Dr. Luther, what is the name you have given to this new theology of yours.

Luther: It is not a new theology. It is drawn from the pages of the Bible. That is the point.

Theologian 2: That may be so, but what name do you give it.

Luther: As I said, it is the theology of the cross, it is the doctrine of Christ.

[Lights out] SCENE 18-b “A Small Problem” [Luther's study.]

Spalatin: Martin, we have a small problem.

Luther: Well, there is something different. A small problem. If it is small, take it to Master Philip. I am only in charge of big problems. Popes and bishops, kings, and heretics.

Spalatin: Well, Martin. This problem is a little different than what we are used to handling.

Luther: In what way.

Spalatin: Nuns.

Luther: We have a nun problem?

Spalatin: Well, we have twelve nuns who no longer want to be nuns, but they are not being permitted to leave the nunnery. They are in effect prisoners and would like us to help them escape.

Luther: Escape. But George what shall we do with them once we have them.

Spalatin: Well some of the priests are beginning to marry. I don't think it would be hard to marry these nuns off once we get them here. In fact as the chief theologian and the famous Martin Luther, I bet you could have the pick of the litter. Luther: Forty years I have been without a wife and if God grants me the time here in this earth, it will be another forty years. Besides, I'm not doing to bad as a single man.

Spalatin: Well Luther, I have been meaning to talk to you about that. How often do you wash your clothes and your blankets could use a good cleaning as well. And your health, you might live a bit happier and healthier if you had someone to give you three square meals a day.

Luther: More secretarial help is what I need, not a wife. Now as for those nuns, so to be wives and mothers, I will make arrangements for them. SCENE 18 - c The Great Escape (1523) [Nunnery-Curtain/lights]

Clara: Sisters, sisters, it has all been arranged.

Mary: Oh, really, soon we will be free. Free to do as we please.

Margaret: Soon to marry and enjoy all the benefits of married life.

Katherine: Clara, how are we and the others to escape?

Clara: On Holy Saturday, the eve before Easter morning, Leonard Kopp,

Mary: The herring and beer man?

Clara: Yes, Mr. Kopp will leave 12 empty herring and beer barrels behind the eating quarters. After eating we will each retire to our rooms for the bed check. Once we have been checked in we will make our way four at a time to the barrels and climb in. Mr Kopp will be there to help. He will then load us on to his cart and out the front gate we will go.

Margaret: We are going to escape inside herring and beer barrels? How do you expect us to attract a husband, if we smell like herring when we arrive? Ladies, I put dibs on a beer barrel. At least some of the men in Wittenberg will be interested in smelling me.

Katherine: From what I hear of Wittenbergers, they won't be able to tell the difference between you and their own scent. [curtain, set Wittenberg] ACT SIX SCENE 23 - b The Augsburg Confession (1530)

Melanchthon: At last Dr. Luther, we have an invitation from Charles to declare our doctrinal beliefs before him in fair hearing.

Luther: Yes for 13 years I have waited for such a hearing. That is why I have such a hard time believing that we will get a fair hearing.

Melanchthon: This time I am hopeful that we will be able to state our beliefs and have them fairly considered.

Luther: Yes and as I remember you were hopeful that Zwingli and I could come together in a common confession. How did that turn out?

Melanchthon. This time it will be different. Now we have an opportunity to unite under one common and public confession.

Luther: Charles expects Germany to return to the Romanist faith. But we now have a great opportunity before us at a Diet in Augsburg in June 1530. The princes and nobles don't think I should be the one to write the document. They fear I lack a diplomatic pen. They request that you write the document, which shall be called the Augsburg Confession. The faculty and I have agreed that you will use as your starting point the Schawbach Articles.

Melanchthon: They want me to write and present our confession? Luther: Yes. They believe the time has come for a reconciliation and they hope that they will be able to state freely what we believe, teach, and confess. Philip you will do fine. Your pen is much more gentle than mine. I am confident that you will write a sound confession. Just don't give away the Gospel when the pressure is on.

Melanchthon: But what about you, Dr. Luther? Where will you be?

Luther: I cannot show my face in Augsburg. It would mean certain death. The princes have ordered me to stay away. However, the Castle Coburg is as close to Augsburg as I can get and remain safe. So I will be there and messengers will keep me posted as the events unfold. If you need my advise, I will be close enough to give it.

Narrator: On June 25, 1530 Philip Melanchthon stood before Charles V and read out loud in German for all the common people to hear the Augsburg Confession. In 28 articles the Lutherans, known then as the Evangelicals, stated clearly and without compromise the fundamental articles of the Christian faith. When Luther read the first draft of the Confession he said, "It pleases me very much and I do not know how I could improve on or alter it for I cannot tread so softly and lightly." The Confession was intended to bring unity to the church. The Lutherans stood between two great theological and political forces, the Romanists and the Reformed Churches. Great pressure was placed upon Melanchthon to compromise in both directions. But under the watchful eye of Luther, there would be no compromise. The presentation of the Augsburg Confession was the high point of the Lutheran Reformation and Martin Luther knew it. On July 6, 1530 while still at the Castle Coburg, he wrote, "I am tremendously pleased to have lived to this moment when Christ has been publicly proclaimed by His staunch confessors in such a great assembly by means of this truly most beautiful confession." Thunderclouds soon appeared and what Luther had suspected all along came to pass. On July 12 Johann Eck gave the Emperor Charles the Confutation of the Augsburg Confession. It rejected the apostolic faith as set forth in the Augsburg Confession and demanded that every one who signed it submit. With nothing more to do the Wittenberg delegation returned home and there with the Lutherans continued the work of reforming the church. ======ACT SIX SCENE 24-b Here We Go Again (1536) [Curtain/lights] [Wittenberg classroom]

Luther: Good morning, gentlemen, and welcome to little Wittenberg University. I am Dr. Luther and it is my job to prepare you for the Holy Ministry. In this university you will learn first and foremost the Word of God and His Holy doctrine. You will also learn how to be a good pastor. Now there are different ways to judge a pastor. If you want to be a success in the eyes of the people in your parish you need to have six qualities. 1) You must have a good speaking voice. 2) Be learned. 3) You must be eloquent and say the right things at the right time, never the wrong thing. 4) You must be handsome. 5) You must take no money, but be willing to pay them to preach. 6) And most important of all, you must say what they want to hear. That is how you please the people. But pleasing God, now that is another thing. Remember this gentlemen, life and doctrine are to be distinguished. There is finally only one measure of a faithful pastor. Did he teach the Holy doctrines of God's Word without fail or compromise? You will have succeeded only if you teach correctly. That is all for today. Please translate Galatians tonight in preparation for class tomorrow. [Melanchthon enters] Melanchthon: Good day, Dr. Luther.

Luther: You can only say that because you do not have my bowels. It used to be that a good fart could make me feel better. But not any more. The years I spent as a blind monk still take their toll on me. How is it that we have fallen so far. In 1530, Philip you stood before the Emperor and before all the papists, and on behalf of all the German people you offered a confession of the one true Christ and of His apostolic doctrine. On that day we all spoke with one voice. Now look at us. Rumors of Romanist armies have us once again debating what can and cannot be compromised. Even you, Philip are still trying to find the middle ground, where there is no middle ground to be found. Pastors who call themselves evangelicals and claim my name do not even know the doctrines of the Small Catechism, let alone the Augsburg Confession. Once I am gone, many will rise up and will claim to follow the teachings of the mighty Dr. Luther, but they will use me in ways that I have never intended. They will make me say things I have never said. The Gospel is like a Thunderstorm. It has poured itself out upon the German people. Soon it will move on and our land will dry up just as it was before.

Melanchthon: It is not all bad news. Today, thanks to you the German people are able to read the Scriptures in their own tongue. Your reforms of the Mass have enabled people to come before God to receive His grace and understand the liturgy. Your hymns now have the people singing the Gospel. Many of our schools have been reformed and many others are moving in that direction. The changes you are making here at the University have enabled men to study for the Holy Ministry.

Luther: Yes, these things are true and I suppose I should be happy about what God has done. They say they do not want to be reformed by such a beggar. Yet this same beggar has done a good job at reforming them. But praise God I have done more reforming with my Gospel than they have done with five councils. To date they have done nothing but deal with trifling matters which have nothing to do with the Christian Church. But now the papal asses have convinced our idiot German princes that there will be a ecumenical council soon where we may fairly defend our doctrine and strike a compromise. No doubt they will strike the same compromise as the one reached between Eck and me. The bible is the final authority in the church or it is not. And what of the compromise reached between Erasmus and me. I say apart from Christ there is no free will. Erasmus says all people are born with a free will. And what of compromise between Zwingli and me. It is the true body and blood or it is not. Then there was the compromise between the Diet of Augsburg and the German people. All fine compromises Master Philip. Now our political leaders would like me to set down in writing what may and may not be compromised in regard to our articles of faith.

Melanchthon: Yes, I know Dr. Luther.

Luther: And what assignment have they given you?

Melanchthon: They did not want to burden you with more work, with your health and all. So they have asked me to write a treatise on the power and primacy of the Pope.

Luther: You are indeed a gentle soul Master Philip and I see that the German princes are not idiots after all. It is best that you write against the Pope. You will say the same thing, but without my coarse language. However, if you wish to quote me, he and his bishops are still asses.