"War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity, it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it"

Martin Luther presents war as the most catastrophic disaster that can befall humankind, surpassing all other forms of suffering or adversity. He identifies war not simply as a political or military event, but as a profound moral and social calamity. By stating that war "destroys religion", Luther emphasizes the way violence undermines not only organized faith but also the spiritual bonds and moral convictions that keep communities anchored. War creates an environment where mercy, forgiveness, and communal worship are replaced by hatred, fear, and sacrilege.

Extending beyond religious institutions, he argues that war "destroys states". Here, he alludes to the collapse of political order and the disintegration of the social fabric. Governance, law, and civic structures are rendered impotent or swept away completely, often leading to chaos, tyranny, and suffering among civilians. The authority that binds people under shared laws and mutual protections dissolves, leaving disorder in its wake.

Perhaps most poignantly, Luther highlights that war "destroys families", indicating the deeply personal impact of violence and conflict. War tears loved ones apart, through death, displacement, and trauma, dismantling the core unit of society. The physical and emotional scars left on individual households reverberate for generations, undermining trust, security, and identity.

By declaring that "any scourge is preferable", Luther elevates the horror of war above other hardships. Famine, plague, poverty, though severe, do not corrode society’s fundamental pillars as war does. Other calamities may test people’s resolve, but war uniquely sows division, grief, and moral decay, leaving little room for peace or reconciliation.

Ultimately, Luther’s words serve as a profound warning against the allure and justification of violence. He compels listeners to value peace above all else, suggesting that preserving the spiritual, political, and familial integrity of humanity is infinitely more precious than any perceived gains won through armed conflict.