1. Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen." - Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms (1521). What does this quote mean?

Question

1. Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."  - Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms (1521). What does this quote mean?

anonymous · Answer

It means that unless the bible tells me, in clear writing, I will not accept that the pope has authority from God to rule over or be a representative for Jesus Christ and his members of his Church. I do not accept the popes authroity to represent as head of the Christian church because this would contradict with Jesus being head of the church. My conscious is dictated by the bible which is the word of god. I will not belief or saying anything that goes against my conscious, because if you go against your conscious that is never safe or right.