Until the Blood Ran

A Call to Re-Appraise the Experience of Child Physical Abuse in the Life and Works of Martin Luther

Abstract

Although Martin Luther described experiencing three egregious acts of child physical abuse, most Luther biographers ignore, excuse, minimize, or make light of this violence. The notable exception is Erik Erikson, whose psychohistory biography contended the reformation is largely the product of Luther’s conflict with his father. Although many scholars rightly conclude that Erikson’s analysis went too far, these same scholars fail to adequately address the potential impact of child abuse on Luther’s theology, his own treatment of children, his views on child discipline, and his thoughts on education. To address these shortcomings in Luther scholarship, this article takes a fresh look at Luther’s statements about being beaten and critiques the decision of Luther biographers to dismiss or minimize these statements. Lastly, the article advocates for a more balanced view of the childhood beatings of history’s most prominent Protestant, and suggests that a deeper, more honest assessment of these beatings will yield meaningful insights into Luther and his theology.