Several weeks ago, I added a quote to my signature line here; a quote which I remembered from my youth. A few people have inquired as to the origin of the quote, so I felt the need to explain it.

I was raised as a Lutheran - the church of my mother’s family, something for which I give thanks regularly. My father’s family were Baptists, and I give thanks that I was NOT raised in that church! It has been my experience that all churches have their share of hypocrites, but the percentage amongst the Baptists seems to be considerably higher, as does the number of assholes.

I mention this because although I lost my faith years ago, I did go through catechism with the Lutheran church. A large part of this was reading the works of Martin Luther, whose writings started the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. The quote, which translates as “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me.”, is from a speech given by Martin Luther in 1521. Luther was called to stand before the Diet of Worms by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, for his 95 Theses.

Luther’s 95 Theses, in which he detailed his opposition to the corruption and abuses which were rampant in the Catholic Church at that time, eventually led to his excommunication from the Catholic Church in 1521, and from there to the Protestant Reformation.

Martin Luther’s speech at the Diet of Worms, (also known as the Here I Stand Speech) is considered one of the greatest pieces of oratory in world history. It was given in response to the council's questions on whether Luther would stand by his doctrine or recant. His refusal to recant is a classic defense of personal freedom.

It has been decades since I last entered a Lutheran Church - the last time being for the funeral of a cousin and childhood friend, but Luther’s speech has stayed with me. I find it to be extremely apropos in the current political climate within this country. Like Luther, I stand opposed to the corruption and abuses which I see running rampant within the current administration, so, “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise.”