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A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

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A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
GHNU202 Humanities II

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God In order for there to be any kind of interest, relationship, or in other words a preoccupation of any matter, there must be some sort of acknowledgement. For instance, when we take a look at the scientific method, we know that in order to make a hypothesis there must first and foremost be an observation. Once a strong observation is in place, it is only natural to become intrigued or maybe just aware of the potential harm of something. In the hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, written by Martin Luther, a sense of acknowledgement of the devil is quite evident. The people of this hymn’s era had an understanding that there were evil forces that did not coincide with their heavenly father. “And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, We will not fear , for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.” So because these people had an understanding, or rather an acknowledgement that there were devils (witches/demons/sorcerers) in their mist it became natural to draw attention to the issue. Once the attention is drawn, people start to become preoccupied; hence the literature, songs, and beliefs about the devil. Another way to become preoccupied or to portray evidence that interest is being shown is for one to begin to compare or give titles. Throughout the hymn Luther threw in some startling titles of the devil that might have been commonly used in his era. Such include the prince of darkness, evil force, and the ancient foe. These titles are all examples that the people of this era are indeed giving interest to the devil, just as they would give God titles and attention to. In terms of the music itself the organ in the background or sounds if you will, enhance and portray a very majestic and royal setting. Almost as if triumphing over someone or something ; which at the time would be God triumphing over the devil for his people. Luther did well in using this particular

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