The "Other" Martin Examination of Trent

Martin Chemnitz, a 16th-century Lutheran theologian, wrote a comprehensive critique of the Council of Trent's decrees, arguing that they were erroneous and contrary to Scripture. His work, "Examination of the Council of Trent," became a standard Lutheran response to the Catholic Counter-Reformation and remains a valuable resource for understanding the theological differences between the two traditions.

Here are some quotes from Martin Chemnitz's "Examination of the Council of Trent":

* **On Justification:** "The Council of Trent, in its doctrine of justification, confounds justification and sanctification, making them one and the same thing."

* **On Scripture and Tradition:** "The Council of Trent places Scripture and tradition on an equal footing, which is contrary to the teaching of the apostles."

* **On the Sacraments:** "The Council of Trent teaches that the sacraments confer grace ex opere operato, that is, by the very act of their performance, which is a Pelagian error."

* **On the Mass:** "The Council of Trent teaches that the Mass is a true and proper sacrifice, which is contrary to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross."

More to come