Lesson 2 Flashcards
What topics did Luther address in the three treatises of 1520?
1. Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520)
Romanists’ three walls
Temporal power has no jurisdiction over spiritual
Only pope interprets Scripture
Only pope calls a church council
2. Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
Three captivities
Sacraments belong to priests
Transubstantiation
Mass is a sacrifice
3. Freedom of the Christian (1520)
“A Christian is perfectly free, lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is perfectly dutiful, servant of all, subject to all.”
“This is a small book, if you regard its size, but it contains the whole of the Christian life in brief form.”
- The first of the three treatises was titled Appeal to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation. In this book, he calls upon the German princes to play a role in bringing reform to the church.
- In the second treatise he turned to the Roman Catholic Church. This treatise is titled On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church. In this piece of writing Luther argued that the gospel had become captive to the institutional church.
- The third treatise was On the Liberty of the Christian. In this little booklet, Luther explores further the implication of the doctrine of Justification by faith for the Christian life.
What happened at the Diet of Worms in 1521?
Diet of Worms
1. Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, calls Diet of Worms in 1521
Tied to get the princes to keep the peace and colaborate.
2. Prince Frederick urges Diet to be in Germany
Helped ensure safe conduct for Luther to come to the Diet
3. Luther’s journey to the Diet of Worms
4. Luther was confronted with his writings.
5. Was not a discussion of debate but a trial
6. Luther asked for a night to consider and pray
7. Three kinds of Books from Luther
- Christian faith and good works - I will not retract these
- Some attack the Papacy - To retract these would to encourage terany
- Some attack particular individuals - may have spoken harshly - will not retract
8. Unless I can be convinced by Scripture ….. Here I stand I can do no other. God help me.
9. Luther was condemned and he was a convicted heretic.
The Diet of Worms is the famous place where Luther says, “If, then, I am not convinced by proof from Holy Scripture, or by cogent reasons, if I am not satisfied by the very text I have cited, and if my judgment is not in this way brought into subjection to God’s word, I neither can nor will retract anything; for it cannot be either safe or honest for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise; God help me! Amen.” It was at the Diet of Worms where Luther’s excommunication was confirmed and he was declared a political outlaw.
Describe the contributions of Philipp Melanchthon to the Lutheran reform.
Theology
Melanchthon wrote several influential books on theology that helped spread Martin Luther’s ideas. His 1521 work Loci communes rerum theologicarum seu hypotyposes theologicae presented a new Christian doctrine that emphasized faith in God over good deeds. He also wrote the first Protestant “systematic theology” and the Confessio Augustana.
- - The first contribution of Philip comes early in the Reformation. In 1521, Melanchthon published the first edition of his** Loci Communes (“Commonplaces”)**
- - Secondly, would be Melanchthon’s work in producing the Augsburg Confession. This is by far his most important contribution.
- - Melanchthon’s concept of Forensic justification became the standard stated difference between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.
- He was Luther’s friend and was present at Marburg Colloquy (1529).
Education
Melanchthon helped found and reform many German universities to reflect Protestant principles. He also established a public school system in Saxony in 1528 with his “Instructions for Visitors”. His educational plans were widely copied throughout Germany, and at least 56 cities asked for his advice on founding schools. His efforts earned him the nickname “Preceptor of Germany”.
Leadership
After Luther died in 1546, Melanchthon became the leader of the Reformation in Germany. However, his position was challenged because some thought he had compromised with the Catholic Church.
- The first contribution of Philip comes early in the Reformation. In 1521, Melanchthon published the first edition of his** Loci Communes (“Commonplaces”)**
- Law/gospel framework
- Marburg Colloquy (1529)
- Diet of Speyer
- Secondly, would be Melanchthon’s work in producing the Augsburg Confession. This is by far his most important contribution.
- Apology of Augsburg Confession
- Melanchthon’s concept of Forensic justification became the standard stated difference between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.
