政治自由主義之悖論與馬丁路德神學之當代意義

The Paradox of Political Liberalism and the Relevance of Martin Luther

本文研究宗教改革家馬丁路德（Martin Luther）思想之中的信仰與政治自由之間的內在關連性。路德在其宗教改革著作之中，強調信仰的內在自由，對於政治自由的看法，卻是充滿了疑慮。但是在啟蒙運動之後，路德神學逐漸發展出一套獨特的政治自由論述。不同於啟蒙運動者所強調的以個體主體性為基礎的權利主張，路德神學以人的有限性為基礎，反對政治權力的絕對化，並且主張對於社會中的多元性與差異性的尊重；然而此種自由論述，不僅在世俗化社會之中並未得到太多的理解，即使在教會之中，亦未受到足夠的重視。

In this research paper, I discuss the inner relationship between belief and political freedom in Martin Luther’s thought. In Luther’s Reformation writings, he underlines the inner freedom of belief, yet he criticizes the concept of political freedom. After the enlightenment, Lutheran theology developed its unique argument of political freedom. Based on the imperfection of humans, political power should be restricted. Accordingly, plurality and differences in society ought to be respected. But it seems this argument of political freedom is not well understood in secular states and Christian churches.