Development of Lutherism 1521-46 - How did it develop in the 1520s?

Question 1

What did Luther do to aid confusion caused by the crises in the early 1520’s?

Answer 1

He needed to make his message clearer.

- Using the printing press, he spread his message clearer providing the German Bible and Catechism.

Question 2

What was the doctrine of the Real Presence?

Answer 2

Luther believed Gospels had to be taken much more literally. E.g. he said Christ really was present during communion (body = bread blood = wine). However the debate over how gospels were to be interpreted caused division within Protestant ranks and weakened them.

Question 3

List main 5 key points for how Lutheranism developed in the 1520s…

Answer 3

1) What had to be done (why)
2) Translating the Bible 1523-24 (Hymns etc)
3) German Mass 1526 - Opposed Zwingli
4) Catechisms - 1529
5) Spread of Lutheranism (towns - cities - urban)

Question 4

Explain what Luther had to do during the 1520s?

Answer 4

-Following crisis of the 1520s, Luther used Printing press to spread clearer message. (Bible and Catechisms)

Question 5

Explain point 2 (Bible - 4 points)

Answer 5

Bible 1522-34: He finished his translation in Wartburg castle, smuggled it out and published as September testament
- By 1534, 200,000 copies were printed.
- He spent a long time on it and was very careful with each word, he used Erasmus’ translation
HYMS: in 1524 he also made a collection of hymns to spread messages to the illiterate.

Question 6

Explain point 3 (Mass- 3 points)

Answer 6

German mass, 1526: Luther was hesitant in his approah to mass/eucharist/communion.

• His guidelines were ambiguous and could be seen similar to catholic
• A consequence of this was that Luther lost his chance to become allies with the Zwinglism movement (swiss reformation), they were more radical so disagreed with Luthers approach to Mass and therefore weakened reform.

Question 7

Explain point 4 (Catechisms - 3 points)

Answer 7

1529:
- John the Steadfast became Elector of saxony and due to peasant revolt, he ordered a review of Saxon Churches as they were believed to be radical.
- Luther wrote instructions for inspections and even inspected himself - Was shocked at the traditional preaching
- In response, he wrote 2 Catechisms: the great Catechism(instructions for ministers) and the small Catechism (simple language guide for use during the congregation - very successful)

Question 8

Explain point 5 - Spread of Lutheranism (2 main points 2 subpoints)

Answer 8

Spread:
States: By 1530, only 7 princes had converted states to Lutheranism.
Cities/towns: However in cities/towns, support was far more rapid due to universities and humanists
- 50/65 imperial cities accepted or adopted Lutheranism
- They also had the printing press so easier access