Meaning: This quote by Martin Luther, the 16th-century German monk and leader of the Protestant Reformation, delves deep into the theological concept of the human will. Luther's perspective on the will is closely connected to his belief in the sovereignty of God and the fallen nature of humanity. In this quote, Luther presents the will as a metaphorical beast of burden, emphasizing its lack of autonomy and susceptibility to being controlled by external forces.

Luther's portrayal of the will as a "beast of burden" reflects his understanding of human nature as inherently flawed and unable to act independently. According to Luther, the will is not free but rather subject to the influence of either God or Satan. When God "mounts" the will, it aligns with God's wishes and acts accordingly, while if Satan takes control, the will follows Satan's desires. This depiction underscores Luther's belief in the fundamental depravity of human nature, as he sees the will as incapable of choosing its own course of action.

The quote also emphasizes the lack of agency inherent in the will, as Luther asserts that it cannot choose its rider. This notion aligns with Luther's theological position that human beings are unable to save themselves through their own efforts and are entirely dependent on the grace of God for salvation. The idea of the will being ridden by either God or Satan further underscores Luther's belief in the cosmic struggle between good and evil, with human beings caught in the middle as passive participants in this spiritual battle.

Moreover, Luther's assertion that the riders, representing God and Satan, contend for the possession of the will highlights the ongoing conflict for control over human beings. This reflects a fundamental aspect of Luther's theology, which emphasizes the constant struggle between the forces of good and evil in the world. By framing the will as a battleground for divine and diabolical influence, Luther underscores the profound impact of these spiritual forces on human existence.

In the context of the Protestant Reformation, Luther's views on the will were central to his theological disagreements with the Roman Catholic Church, particularly regarding the nature of salvation. Luther rejected the Catholic doctrine of free will, arguing that human beings were unable to choose God or good on their own accord due to the pervasive effects of sin. Instead, he emphasized the concept of "sola fide," or justification by faith alone, as the means by which individuals are saved through God's grace, rather than through their own actions or decisions.

Overall, Martin Luther's quote about the will as a beast of burden offers a profound insight into his understanding of human nature, the spiritual struggle between good and evil, and the role of divine grace in the salvation of humanity. It reflects his theological emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the fallen state of humanity, and the ongoing battle for the control of human wills. This quote continues to be a thought-provoking and significant aspect of Luther's theological legacy, shaping discussions on the nature of the will and human agency within the Christian tradition.