In 1521, at the Diet of Worms, Martin Luther was asked to recant his writings.

Luther responded, unless I am convinced from the sacred scriptures that I am in error, I cannot and will not recant.

Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise.

God help me. Amen.

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Click the picture of Martin Luther posting the 95 Theses.

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Scripture, faith, grace, and Christ alone. Here we stand, issues, et cetera, and you.

I think it's safe to say that this hymn is universally associated with Lutheranism in one form or another,

and it has been since the hymns author is none other than Martin Luther,

the most famous hymn he ever penned,

although did he know when he was writing a mighty fortress is our God that it was going to go on to be known as the battle hymn of the Reformation?

And has it always been regarded that? Is it really just to paraphrase of Psalm 46?

Welcome back to issues, etc., joining us to study the hymn, A Mighty Fortress.

Dr. Joseph Hurl, he's professor of music at Concordia University of Nebraska,

co-editor of a Lutheran Service Book companion to the hymns.

Dr. Hurl, welcome back.

It's so good to be back, Todd. Thank you.

Why is this hymn so often referred to as the Battle Hym of the Reformation?

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