The Three Estates of Church, Family, and State
Martin Luther's discovery of the Gospel destroyed the monastery and all the social structures of medieval Europe. But looking through the rubble Luther was able to see the foundation, the bedrock established by God of the ordering of this world: the three estates. The church, the home, and the state are the fundamental institutions, created by God, to support His gift of life.
Knowing the three estates helps us to read the Bible, understand theology, and engage in this world. In fact, it is some of the most important and insightful material in all of our Lutheran doctrine. We will uncover this hidden jewel, and delight in the wisdom the Lord has for us in these estates.