Exploring Eisenach and Easing into Erfurt

How lovely it was to see the sun this morning following a much needed good night's rest. We began our day with a delicious authentic German breakfast, complete with hard-boiled eggs, various meats and cheeses served on hard rolls!! It surely supplied the energy we needed our touring activities. 

While Eisenach, located at the base of the famous Wartburg castle, may be appear to be a quaint and lovely community with its Walt Disney-esque timbered buildings that surround the downtown area, it has quite a lot in which to boast. Martin Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach, to name just a few. 

 

Marin Luther spent his school days here studying Latin and receiving musical training. Luther later expressed loving memories of Eisenach. Lutherhaus is a very beautiful and striking house originally built in 1480. While attending school here, Luther worshiped and sang at the Church of St. George. Luther came back to this church and preached in 1521 right before he had to defend his writings at the Diet of Worms. 

 

 

As I mentioned yesterday, Eisenach was the birthplace of J.S. Bach. Today, while we were visiting the Church of St. George, we could see how the church had influenced Bach as well. It is here where Bach was baptized (the same baptistery is used here today), learned to play the organ, and sang in the choir. Bach's musical family is evidenced by the long list or organists who all share his sir name. Our visit to Eisenach was not complete until we walked through Bach's childhood home, which is now a lovely museum. 

We left Eisenach for an easy drive down to Erfurt where Luther attended the University and eventually, the monestary, but more on that tomorrow. I can see why it is often called "the city of spires" due to its numerous churches. We walked up the many steps to view the magnificent Cathedral of St. Mary and the Church of St. Severus. 

 

To close today's blog I reflect on the influence of one man. While touring Lutherhaus today it was very evident of the influence Luther had on so many authors, poets, philosophers, and musicians for centuries, including Bach. Many of Bach's pieces were based on hymns written by Luther himself. How could one man have such influence on the course of history and thought? Was it his humble piety or the work of the Holy Spirit that allowed God's greatness to shine through him? So maybe it wasn't just one man but God working through one man? Yes, I truly believe this to be true. We are nothing without God working in our lives. And my prayer today is that we all may show God's greatness through our actions now and always. Amen.