[Mr Ramsbotham]

Actually, the Catholic church has indeed "grown" over the centuries, by moving away from politics and toward religion, which is what Christianity is all about, after all. Which leads me to wonder: if Martin Luther were alive today, what is there about this institution that he would protest?

[Bahbah]

if Martin Luther were alive today, what is there about this institution that he would protest?

Well, that is a thought provoking question.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Their ban on bigamy, adultery, polygamy, etc. for starters. Luther penned his signature in agreement, along with six other "reformers", to the following dealing with the bigamy of Prince Philip of Hesse:

"We declare under an oath that it ought to be done secretly . . . It is nothing unusual for princes to have concubines . . . and this modest way of living would please more than adultery."

(Document dated December 10, 1539 / Luther's Letters, De Wette -- Seidemann, Berlin, 1828, vol. 6, 255-265)

When that document became public knowledge, Luther explained:

A secret yes must remain a public no and vice versa.

(De Wette, vol. 6, 263)

Here's some more gems from the German monk.

I cannot forbid a person to marry several wives, for it does not contradict the Scripture.

(De Wette, vol. 2, 459)

What would it matter if, for the sake of greater good and of the Christian Church, one were to tell a good, downright lie?

(Lenz, Luther's Letters, Leipzig, 1891, vol. 1, 382)

I cannot forbid a person to marry several wives, for it does not contradict the Scripture.

(De Wette, vol. 2, 459)

Chastity is not in our power. All are created for marriage. God does not permit that one be alone.

(De Wette, vol. 2, 637 ff.)

Libidinousness cannot be cured by anything, not even by marriage; for the greater part of the married live in adultery.

(Luther's Works, Erlangen, 1868, "Opp. Exeg. Lat.," I, 212)

Schizo Luther would have found plenty to complain about.

[The Iguana]

Which leads me to wonder: if Martin Luther were alive today, what is there about this institution that he would protest?

Given the recent Joint Declaration by the Lutheran World Federation and the Church, plus the other reforms...a great deal less than he protested during Leo X's pontificate.

But it depends on which Luther you're talking about. The Luther of 1517-18 would rejoin Mother Church.

The one of later years, when his positions hardened and radicalized, would probably still want married clergy, and a restricted understanding fo the petrine supremacy. And still quibble over the sacraments, their nature and number.

But he would certainly think things had improved over on the other side of the Tiber.

Then again perhaps he and Ratzinger/Benedict would sit down over a good beer...and a have a long, enjoyable talk.