The Development of Lutheranism

Question 1

What time span does the real development of Lutheranism and its teaching take place?

Answer 1

1520s

Question 2

Did the Lutheran Church have a clear structure?

Answer 2

No, clear structure for a uniform Lutheran church- despite top-down control in society.

Question 3

What was Luther’s priority?

Answer 3

To respond to misinterpretation of his theology, get his message across accurately.

Question 4

What did Luther do for the literate?

Answer 4

Utilised the power of the printing press again to publish key works on his theology.

Question 5

What did Luther do for the illiterate?

Answer 5

He used visual images (didactic woodcuts), wrote hymns.

Question 6

What was the new liturgy for both levels of literacy?

Answer 6

The structure of the service to be used in Lutheran churches was new ‘German’ Mass- focused on word of God in the Bible.

Question 7

What was the Doctrine of the Real Presence?

Answer 7

Focused on the Eucharist and Luther argued a version of transubstantiation that the wine and bread remained but Christ also was present- Consubstantiation.

Question 8

What did more radical P reformists (give an example) think of transubstantiation and how did this compare to Luther?

Answer 8

Rejected it completely. E.g. Ulrich Zwigli. Luther was conservative on this aspect with Consubstantiation.

Question 9

What was the time period for the translation of the Bible into German?

Answer 9

1522-34

Question 10

In what order did Luther translate the Bible?

Answer 10

The New Testament then the Old.

Question 11

Why what Luther meticulous on getting the language right?

Answer 11

To make the Bible accessible to all who could read or listen.

Question 12

What was the Bible used as?

Answer 12

A foundation document for Lutheran interpretation- hugely influenced it.

Question 13

How was the Wittenberg press helpful for the spread of the German Lutheran Bible?

Answer 13

Key role in spreading the translation- 100,000+ copies by 1600.

Question 14

Why did Luther use particular phrases?

Answer 14

To ‘Germanise’ the stories and to ensure German readers/listeners connected with the teaching.

Question 15

What was seen as particularly controversial in the Bible?

Answer 15

Substituted ancient language for more modern German words.

Question 16

What did do to support his key doctrine ‘sola fide’ in his Bible? Give an example.

Answer 16

Manipulated aspects of the new testament.

‘justification by faith alone’- he added the word ‘alone’ to St Paul’s testament words- ‘the just one saved by faith’.

Question 17

When did he defend his decision to amend the translation (alone)? Did he generally defend from C criticisms?

Answer 17

Luther shrugged off C criticism of his changes, but did defend in writing in 1530 his decision to amend the translation.

Question 18

When Luther wrote the German Mass in 1526 what was it like?

Answer 18

He placed the sermon ahead of the Eucharist as the key focal point of the service.

Question 19

What Luther conservative in any ways regarding Mass?

Answer 19

Yes, he left aspects of the service in place.

Question 20

Did all Lutheran Churches have the same beliefs about Mass and Consubstantiation?

Answer 20

No, Lutheran Churches differed in their interpretation of the mass and how far they supported Luther’s ‘Consubstantiation’.

Question 21

MARBURY COLLOQUAY- ADD LATER?

Answer 21

XXX

Question 22

Why were the Catechisms written in 1529?

Answer 22

They were written by Luther as a response to the investigation into Saxony Churches-carried out by the new Elector of Saxony ‘John the Steadfast’ (converted to L reform).

Question 23

What was the aim of the Saxony Church investiagations?

Answer 23

To check how closely local priests were following and understanding Luther’s theology.

Question 24

What was the impact of the Saxony Church investigations?

Answer 24

The level of ignorance and differences in levels of understanding of the scriptures shocked Luther and the Elector. It revealed Luther’s teaching had not penetrated all areas of Saxony (and many other parts of Germany).

Question 25

What was Luther’s actions and intentions regarding the Catechisms 1529?

Answer 25

To produce two guidance books, to teach and guide clergy and layman the key principles of the church.

Question 26

What was the Large (or ‘Great’) Catechism?

Answer 26

It was for the adults, to guide them through key principles of Lutheran ideas, used as support for Church ministers.

Question 27

What was the Small Catechism?

Answer 27

Aimed at less educated peasantry and for children. Simple language written as an instruction booklet. Limited to essential points of faith (Lords Prayer, Ten Commandments, three sacraments).

Question 28

Were both successful? In what way?

Answer 28

Yes, successful reaching tools and embedded the ideas of Luther to a diverse audience.

Question 29

Did the small Catechism spread as quickly as Luther wanted? If not, why?

Answer 29

No, the limited number of schools meant that it did not spread as quickly as Luther wanted.

For peasants costly?

Question 30

By 1530 and beyond where had adopted Lutheranism most quickly? Give evidence.

Answer 30

Towns and Imperial Cities.

50/65 Imperial Cities converted by early 1540’s.

Question 31

What is Nuremberg an example of?

Answer 31

One of the largest Imperial Cities that adopted Lutheranism but after tensions and opposing views.

Question 32

Give an example of Lutheranism being used for control and social/political reasons/

Answer 32

Due to the Peasants’ Revolt, Nuremberg in March 1525 the council decided that an immediate Lutheran reformation was necessary in order to preserve law and order. Luther’s emphasis to obedience to authority was certainly preferable to the anarchy preached by Munzer who for the lower orders rioted in favour of- clear structural ideas. This have power to the secular leader- convenience.

Question 33

How did the printing press help grow the popularity of Lutheranism within Germany 1521-29?

Answer 33

Emphasis based here. Certainly influential, and enable his message to be spread to literate people on a large scale.

Question 34

How did scholars and educated men help grow the popularity of Lutheranism withing Germany 1521-29?

Answer 34

They learned about Luther’s ideas through reading his works, then chose to accept or reject ideas- then either way spread word of new theology either by passing pamphlets on or by alerting other scholars to their existence- usually influential due to respect and status and ability (reading, writing and evaluating).

Question 35

How did illiterate people learn and grow the popularity of Lutheranism within Germany 1521-29?

Answer 35

Woodcuts within books, printed sermons, pamphlets did help explain his message to ordinary illiterate people- principal way- hearing a sermon or being taught the new ideas by parish priest.

Question 36

How did Luther’s students grow the popularity of Lutheranism within Germany 1521-29?

Answer 36

They had been preaching his message since the beginning and as reputation grew, so did his disciples- some became radical reformers, many did not- stuck to moderate beliefs.

Question 37

What is the Parish Pulpit?

Answer 37

the reformation was given to ordinary people.

Question 38

How did Luther grow the popularity of Lutheranism within Germany 1521-29?

Answer 38

Never stopped teaching career at Wittenberg or preaching-sermons heard by many and were published.

Question 39

As a result of the growth what happened?

Answer 39

Some places the reformation happened either the agreement of the local rulers, some in the face if great resistance. Once Lutheran ideas had been accepted by a majority of people within a parish they look action to change religious practice e.g. images removed (sacred), monasteries closed, clergy marriage and German Mass used in services.