Luther: Early Publications

Question 1

What did his 1520 publications entirely reject?

Answer 1

Papal authority and targeted papacy as principal source for church corruption

Question 2

How much did Luther print in the 1520s?

Answer 2

Vital for proliferation of reformation – responsible for 20% of all printed works in Germany 1500-30

Published 29 works in total in 1520s, utilising woodcuts, visual aids and chants to win laic support – ‘Passional of Christ and Antichrist’ contained 13 contrasts between Christ’s life and the pope’s lavish lifestyle

Question 3

Address to the German Nobility:

Answer 3

Aug 1520, hoch deustch – aimed at nobles and CV

Argued nobility had responsibility to oppose RCC and carry out political insurrection against the pope, who was considered the Antichrist

Rejected apostolic succession over nobility divine ordination to keep peace on earth, framing revolution as Christian duty

Question 4

How did Address mark development in Luther’s theology and politics?

Give 3 points

Answer 4

Theologically introduced priesthood of all believers by explaining there was no separation between the laity and clergy, rejecting ordination

Politically appealed to protonationalism and anger over heightened clerical abuses

Also recognised that Luther had only secured protection from one noble and so required more

Question 5

How popular was Address?

Answer 5

Initial print run of 4000 copies, selling out in 5 days, so 16 editions were commissioned in rapid succession – most popular of 3 main works

Question 6

On the Babylonian Captivity of Church:

Answer 6

Oct 1520, Latin - targeted educated theologians on doctrine

Challenged sacramental worship and elaborated on priesthood of all believers

Was careful not to isolate Catholic reformers and humanists who were not schismatic - rooted in scriptural evidence presenting learned criticism of church hierarchy

Established no biblical precedent for sacramental worship except Eucharist, Baptism and Confession (later rejected)

Redefined sacraments as ‘a divine promise marked by a divine sign’ - doctrine of sola scriptura

Question 7

What apart from the sacraments did Luther attack in Babylonian Captivity?

Answer 7

Good works and argued for communion in both kinds

Question 8

On the Liberty of Christian Man:

Answer 8

Dec 1520, low-brow German - addressed to laity

Explanatory text to convey complex theology to commoners, defended Luther of RCC criticisms

Describes how sola fide replaces good works - shows literary prolificity