This conference paper presents a new analysis of Martin Luther’s treatise “The Judgment of Martin Luther on Monastic Vows”. This treatise has long been interpreted as Luther’s utter rejection of monasticism. However, upon closer inspection we find that Luther’s treatise is not simply a reactionary writing dealing solely with his utter contempt of monastic vows. This paper argues that a more nuanced reading of the text along with an understanding of the cultural context in which it was written, shows that Martin Luther is pastorally advocating for monks to return to the true piety of the monastic fathers.