Luther 1517-1520 Flashcards
Why is 1520 such an important year?
Luther is threatened and persecuted by the Catholic Church, a pivotal point in Luther’s character development and formation of Lutheran ideas.
(Key steps) When was the Leipzig debates (with Eck) and what happened?
1519- showed Luther prepared to reject Pope’s authority over scripture.
(Key steps) What did Luther declare regarding the Bible and what was threatened?
He declared only the Bible held religious truth. Excommunication was threatened.
(Key steps) What was ‘sola fide’ and why was it significant?
Sola scriptura too.
Luther’s understanding and conversion to the doctrine of ‘sola fide’ (‘faith alone’), changed his view on the CC (anti- Catholic Church) and formed the basis of his developing theological ideas- consolidate in debates.
(Key steps) What was Luther’s conversion known as his ‘tower experience’ and why is it significant?
He talked of his ‘tower and healed chamber’ in the ‘table talk’ memoirs- reflected on views and convinced he didn’t just have criticisms but basis for new theology. Memoirs- wrote his ideas down later and others of what he has said, (3 and 2 hand accounts).
(Key steps) What did Pope Leo X issue and what did it force Luther to do?
He issued a (command) papal bull (decree) ‘Exsurse Domine’ to force Luther to recant (had realised danger and people are listening to L and spreading his ideas) within 60 days and to stop him preaching and writing to try to censor him.
(Key steps) How did Luther respond to Leo X papal bull?
By publishing pamphlets (3 distributed by the printing press across Germany, then wider Europe)- England- really spread word now. LOOK AT SHEET.
Why were the Three Pamphlets of 1520 hugely significant?
They caused a reaction in Germany and beyond (provoked Henry VIII to write ‘in defence of the 7 sacraments’ pub 1521- Defender of Faith Pope reward, Pope liked and also at Lutheran heresies).
Luther attacked and challenged the Catholic Church’s teaching more broadly. A huge step in Lutheran development and L character.
How many pamphlets did he write altogether?
20+ but the three drew the most attention.
How did Luther address the CC in his pamphlets?
Directly, also at German nobles and the German people (if illiterate, by listening or woodcuts…)
What were the explosive pamphlets called (more so than the 95 Theses)?
To the Christian nobility- Aug 1520
On the Babylonish Captivity of the church- Sept 1520
Christian Liberty- Nov 1520
What did Luther do with the papal bull in December 1520?
In front of his students at Wittenberg (they didn’t see it as serious) he burned the bull publicly.
Why was the burning so significant?
It was the trigger factor behind his excommunication in January 1521 and it truly showed Germany, the Pope and the HRE that Luther was not a Catholic and dangerous, a heretic in their eyes as he directly opposed the Pope- a MAJOR thing. It put a target on his back and there was no turning back. A MAJOR act of defiance.
What did the excommunication say in January 1521?
Luther once it has been made, his supporters and followers were cast out of the church- in the exploitation bill everyone associated, give food + shelter ‘however loftily and dazzling their dignity may be’
Why was the excommunication a problem? Where did the protection of Lutheranism fall?
It was a major problem for Frederick the Wise and it also meant that many would withdraw support, princes if cast out (no salvation) their subjects could essentially kill them, it was a tricky situation. It also meant that with Pope’s permission people could hunt for Luther- a dangerous thing as he had so many enemies. But they couldn’t afford to outcast everyone? They had to condemn Luther to get back to church. Either be a believer or go right away supporter or sympathiser. It was up to the people to keep Lutheranism alive.
