Pioneer woman of the reformation

Lutheran, The, Jun 1999 by Stjerna, Kirsi

1999 marks the 500th anniversary of Katie Luther's birth

A courageous woman of character and a risk-taker, Katharina von Bora proved a worthy match to Martin Luther.As Luther's partner and manager of their famous parsonage, this pioneer woman contributed mightily to the Reformation.

This year marks the 500th anniversary of Katharina von Bora Luther's birth (Jan. 29, 1499). In the absence of her memoirs or even letters, we know her mainly through Luther's writings. There we find no shortage of endearments and descriptions of Katharina, or Katie.

"Doctor, preacher, brewer, pig breeder, gardener-and whatever else she can be," wrote Luther, complimenting Katharina's many gifts. More than a "dearly beloved wife," Katie was his "rib," his "chain" and confidant, who wielded unusual authority for a medieval woman.

"Katharina loved Luther a great deal but did not hesitate to stand up to him," says Kurt Hendel, professor of Reformation church history at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. "She wasn't the subservient type. She modeled to women, as well as men, that marriage was a partnership." Quite a radical notion at the time.

Even before her marriage Katharina showed strength. The daughter of an aristocratic but impoverished Saxon family in Libbendorf, she was given to be raised by Benedictine nuns in Brehna at age 5, when her father remarried. Schooled later by Cistercians in Nimbschen, she was expected to stay on the monastic path and at 16 took the veil. But as soon as an opportunity arose, she chose another direction.

Inspired by Luther's writings critical of monastic vows and celibacy as the supreme way to serve God, she exchanged her regulated life of study and prayer for the freedom and perils of Wittenberg. With Luther's help, Katharina fled the convent in a wagon with 11 other sisters on Easter Saturday, 1523-a risky venture since leaving one's order was punishable by death.

Matchmaking failed

The fugitive nun, approaching middle age at 26 and lacking the protection of her order or family, needed a husband. But Luther's matchmaking efforts failed. After being rejected by the family of her first love, student Hieronymus Baumgartner, the determined woman would not consider others-- except professor Nicholas von Amsdorf (a confirmed bachelor) or Luther.

It's unclear whether Katharina saw the eccentric theologian 16 years her senior as a great catch or as her last chance at marriage. Whether the sassy Katharina charmed Luther (as she charmed the King of Denmark), or whether he took pity on her is also unclear. Possibly it was she who took pity on Luther, who was running out of choices himself. Whatever his reason, the reformer proposed.

Risking being burned as a heretic with the notorious monk and subjecting herself to venomous criticism as a Protestant femme fatale, Katharina agreed to a rushed betrothal on June 13, 1525, to celebrate her wedding with Luther two weeks later.

The controversial marriage of the two former monastics from different social classes had practical objectives: to irk the pope and the devil, to make a statement on the blessedness of marriage and to delight Luther's parents with grandchildren. But love quickly bloomed and in the next nine years, Katharina survived the dangers of childbirth six times.

Raising their three sons and three daughters, and mourning for the early deaths of two of those daughters, the couple learned about the depths of love, human and divine.

The unromantic beginning led to a mature, loving relationship that deepened Luther's theology, says Carter Lindberg, a church history professor at Boston University School of Theology. As a mother and wife-- two newly respected roles as a result of the Reformation-Katharina's impact was essential.

"She brought a human element to Luther's theology," Lindberg says. "She humanized his life, provided stability that freed him to do his work."

Luther appreciated this. "In domestic affairs I defer to Katie. Otherwise I am led by the Holy Ghost," he admitted. "I give more credit to Katharina than to Christ, who has done so much more for me."

"Mister Katie" took charge of the household finances, Luther being impulsively generous and oblivious to their perpetual lack of cash. With a firm hand she managed their 40room former monastery as a bustling parsonage, a hostel for students and even a hospital during plague outbreaks. Katharina's shrewdness made ends meet and enabled her to acquire land, including a farm in Zulsdorf her pride and joy-to give them longterm security.

"The morning star of Wittenberg" had much to do and plenty of energy. She rose before the sun to cook meals, tend gardens, keep an orchard, cultivate fields, raise farm animals, brew beer and home cures for her husband's miscellaneous ailments, balance the books, mind the children and, time permitting, read her Bible.

Her part as the hostess of the Table Talks wasn't minor. While serving beer and sausages, the "very learned" lady joined the theological discussions to make poignant comments