Going Postal - Argula Von Grumbach

1492–1563

History is full of enterprising women who made a difference by using whatever resources they had. Argula von Grumbach had paper and pen—as well as a keen mind and a knowledge of the Bible.

At age ten, Argula received from her father a Bible in their native German. She studied it avidly. Yet there were no great opportunities for a female Bible scholar in those days. As the Reformation took hold in Germany, Argula supported the dangerous new teachings of Martin Luther. She loved his idea of the “priesthood of the believer,” that anyone could have access to God—rich or poor, male or female, educated or not.

In 1523 she heard of a young teacher at the University of Ingolstadt who was arrested for his Reformation views. Outraged, Argula wrote a letter of protest to the school faculty. “When I heard what you had done to Arsacius Seehofer under terror of imprisonment and the stake, my heart trembled and my bones quaked. . . . Where do you read in the Bible that Christ, the apostles, and the prophets imprisoned, banished, burned, or murdered anyone?” In this impressive epistle, she quoted or alluded to Scripture eighty-some times, making a powerful case in support of the reformers. “You have condemned them. You have not refuted them,” she claimed, challenging the faculty to argue the case with her from Scripture—in German, rather than ecclesiastical Latin.

When her letter was published, she received both scathing criticism and impassioned defense from various corners of society. Some were scandalized that a woman would dare to confront male authorities. Anabaptist leader Balthasar Hubmaier reiterated his belief that women should generally keep silent . . . but when men are mute with fear, he said, let the women speak.

Maybe you’re not an expert or celebrity or leader, but don’t let that stop you from proclaiming God’s truth and showing his love. What avenues has God given you? Can you send an e-mail, friend someone on Facebook, post a video on YouTube, or just have a good conversation? Argula von Grumbach used what she had, and so can you.

She has done what she could . . . I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.

Mark 14:8-9