A Reformer’s Advice for Christians During a Pandemic

We just commemorated Reformation Sunday, the anniversary of the great
reformer, Martin Luther nailing his “95 Theses” to the door at Wittenberg, thus
beginning the Protestant Reformation.

Martin Luther, who himself lived through a pandemic, had some advice for his
fellow Christ followers that is relevant for us today as we live through this COVID-19
period. Luther’s advice to Christians during a pandemic:

“Use medicine; take potions which can help you]; fumigate house, yard, and street

[wash your hands, use hand sanitizer]; shun persons and places where your neighbor does not need your presence or has recovered, and act like a
who wants to help put out the burning city. What else is the epidemic but a fire, which, instead of consuming wood and straw, devours life and
body? Therefore I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it. I shall avoid persons and places where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find
me, and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely, as stated above. See, this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”

Basically, Luther advised Christians in his day to do the modern-day equivalent of wearing masks, washing our hands, practicing social distancing, and taking the pandemic seriously.

Sound advice for all of us as we continue to navigate this pandemic! Stay safe and well!

Blessings,

Hilary