Summary: Many Lutheran scholars say that Luther always held to Mary’s immaculate conception. I think he eventually held that her purification occurred at Jesus’ conception, not her own.
Did Martin Luther believe in the Immaculate Conception of Mary? Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong dives into this controversial and often misunderstood topic in Part 5 of his 7-part series on Luther. Drawing from the writings of prominent Lutheran scholars and Luther’s own words, Dave explores whether the Reformer’s view aligned fully or partially with the Catholic dogma. Was his belief consistent throughout his life, or did it evolve? Did he always affirm Mary’s freedom from original sin, just at a different moment than Catholics believe? This episode offers an in-depth and balanced look at Luther’s complex Mariology—one that might surprise both Protestants and Catholics alike.
My Related Articles
Luther & Mary’s Immaculate Conception: Lutheran Scholars’ Opinions (9-30-10)
Luther & the Immaculate Conception: More Non-Catholic Historians & Scholars (9-30-10)
Martin Luther’s “Immaculate Purification” View of Mary (National Catholic Register, 12-31-16)
Videos in The Martin Luther Series on Lux Veritatis
Did Martin Luther Support the DEATH PENALTY for Heretics? [Lux Veritatis, 5-1-25]
50 Reasons for Martin Luther’s Excommunication [Lux Veritatis, 5-2-25]
The MYTH of Luther’s “Snow Covered Dung Hills” + a Theory [Lux Veritatis, 5-3-25]
Civil War Chaos: Luther vs. Other Protestant Leaders, Etc. [Lux Veritatis, 5-4-25]
Martin Luther’s Belief in Mary’s Immaculate Conception [Lux Veritatis, 5-5-25]
Luther & the Myth of a Supposed Catholic Ban of the Bible [Lux Veritatis, 5-6-25]
Was Martin Luther an Extreme “Faith Alone” Antinomian? [Lux Veritatis, 5-8-25]
***
*
Photo Credit: copyright Lux Veritatis, 2025.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In