Able Quote by Martin Luther
![“Do not suppose that abuses are eliminated by destroying the object which is abused. Men can go wrong with wine and women. Shall we then prohibit and abolish women? The sun, the moon, and the stars have been worshiped. Shall we then pluck them out of the sky? ...see how much he [God] has been able…” quote by Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcb/martin-luther-106_able_do-not-suppose-that-abuses-are-eliminate_2246351.jpg)
“Do not suppose that abuses are eliminated by destroying the object which is abused. Men can go wrong with wine and women. Shall we then prohibit and abolish women? The sun, the moon, and the stars have been worshiped. Shall we then pluck them out of the sky? ...see how much he [God] has been able to accomplish through me, though I did no more than pray and preach. The Word did it all. Had I wished I might have started a conflagration at Worms. But while I sat still and drank beer with Philip and Amsdorf, God dealt the papacy a mighty blow.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On the Freedom of a Christian, 1520
Eliminating abuse by destroying the target does not solve the problem; deeper moral responsibility is needed.
In simple terms: Destroying victims doesn't stop abuse.
Key Takeaway
Address root causes, not just symptoms.
Themes
ethics
justice
humanity
responsibility
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- education on consent
- community support groups
- faith leadership training
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies prevent abuse without victimizing?
- What moral duties do we hold toward the vulnerable?
A Different Perspective
Changing attitudes is slower than punitive actions.
