Eric W. Gritsch, The Wit of Martin Luther

Eric W. Gritsch's little book, The Wit of Martin Luther, is a fun, interesting, tersely (and sometimes oddly) written account of the central role humor played in Martin Luther's life. Drawing upon numerous quotations and sources, Gritsch argues that it was Luther's humor and wit that kept the busy, burdened reformer from taking himself too seriously and loosing sight of the joy of the gospel.Gritsch highlights the role humor played in Luther's marriage, in his pastoral relationships, in his interpretation of Scripture, and in his dealings with death. Gritsch writes, "There is overwhelming evidence from Luther's life and work to prove that for him at least, humor, next to music, was the most effective way to endure the trials of...life. In his way of thinking and being, smiling, laughing, and even mocking become the divinely inspired means of spiritual survival. Knowing of the happy end at the Last Day, Luther could remain cheerful in anticipating it."Praise God for the example of Luther, for the reminder to trust God, laugh, and be of good cheer. Are you taking yourself too seriously? Have you forgotten John 16:33--"be of good cheer; I have overcome the world"--? If so, you might especially benefit from reading Gritsch's 115 short pages on Luther's healing humor.Below are a few Luther quotations from the book. Be warned, however, much of Luther's humor is rather colorful. Actually, much of his humor reads like junior high humor.

"I resist the devil, and often it is with a fart that I chase him away.When he tempts me with silly sins I say, 'Devil, yesterday I broke windtoo. Have you written it down on your list?'"Shortly before his death, Luther said to his wife Katie: "I'm like a ripe stool and the world's like a gigantic anus, and we're about to let go of each other.""Tomorrow I have to lecture on the drunkenness of Noah [Gen. 9:20-27], so I should drink enough this evening to be able to talk about that wickedness as one who knows by experience."While away on a trip, Luther joked about his physical ailments in a letter to Katie: "I am drinking beer from Namburg which tastes to me almost like the beer from Mansfeld which you praised to me. It agrees with me well and gives me about three bowel movements in three hours in the morning."