In a book I am currently reading (more anon) attnetion is drawn to a strange statement in one of the standards of the Lutheran church. In the Epitome of the Formula of Concord we read (See here)
5. Also, that original sin is only an external impediment to the good spiritual powers, and not a despoliation or want of the same, as when a magnet is smeared with garlic-juice, its natural power is not thereby removed, but only impeded; or that this stain can be easily wiped away like a spot from the face or pigment from the wall.
The idea that garlic destroys magnetism was a popular superstition that began with the Greeks. In the 16th Century sailors were not allowed to chew it around a compass - just in case. By including this idea in their formula the Lutherans have made themselves look rather silly, though at the time it seemed so helpful. Easily done.
1 comment:
Regarding this reference made in the Formula of Concord, I think it is helpful to note that the Lutheran Confessions, specifically the Formula here, are not really trying to positively argue that this *is* the case or reality. This argument about original sin being like garlic juice was actually the argument made by Viktorin Strigel. The Formula never specifically names the men whose ideas are condemned in the articles, so instead what the Formula does is specifically describes and quotes arguments, so that no one is offended by the inclusion of names but that everyone understands which arguments are being references. So here when the Formula speaks of garlic juice and magnets as a way to explain original sin, the Formula is quoting a specific argument and rejecting it. Thus, the Formula in no way argues that this is the reality of garlic juice and magnets, as it is merely quoting an existing argument that people would have been familiar with.
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