Threat of excommunication and the three pamplets, 1520. Flashcards
What did Luther admit to being which put him in a position which threatened him with excommunication and what debate did he say this at?
In the Leipzig debates Luther admitted to sharing Jan Hus’ views and his view in sola scriptura which essentially meant the Pope had no authority due to scripture not mentioning the papacy and it’s power.
What were Rome’s reactions to Leipzig debates what year and month did this happen?
They had no option but to threaten with excommunication decided in January 1520.
What was issued to warn Luther after the Leipzig debates?
Papal bull Exsurge Domine threatened Luther with excommunication unless he recanted his views within 60 days. Also ordered that all his writings should be burnt.
What did Luther do in response to the papal bull exsurge domine?
He wrote three pamplets outlining the errors of the church
Name the three pamplets
1 - “To the Christian nobility of the German nation”
2- “On Babylonian captivity of the Church
3 - Concerning Christian liberty
What was the first pamphlet (To the German, Christian nobility) about who did it address?
Aimed at Christian nobility written in German.
- Said Rome had drawn 3 walls to protect itself from reform
- Using scripture he said papists were antichrist very exaggerated writing used like comparing the Church to fire.
What was the second pamphlet(On Babylonish captivity of the Church) about and who did it address?
Written in Latin and addressed the Clergy and humanists.
- More of a call for reform of abuse attacked teachings of seven sacraments(Only 3 could be proven in Bible and their interpretation was incorrect)
- Claimed Rome behaved like a Tyrant and everyone was slaves to them
What was the third pamphlet(Concerning Christian Liberty) about and who was it addressed to?
Was addressed to everyone and least combative of three.
- Faith alone was key to salvation not works like fasting and indulgences
- Displayed his sense of liberation knowing that Christ would save all the believers.
Outline (NAME ONLY) main ideas as to why Luther’s ideas changed so drastically from 1517-1520. (4 ideas)
- Reaction of the Church/tactics used by them
- Church applied pressure forcing him to rethink ideas
- His character, ideas etc
- Huge support gave him courage
How did the reaction of the Church change his ideas?
- Leo X underestimated severity of affair relied on Augustinian order(weak)
- Papacy’s pace after October 1518 was far too slow and chose not to alienate Frederick the Wise
How did the pressure the Church applied mould Luther’s ideas?
- Leipzig debate widened his scope forced him to contemplate ideas about reform he had not thought of before
How did Luther’s support mould his ideas?
Everyone loved him, many humanists and intelligent scholars also provided new lanes for him to drive down
How did his character shape and mould his ideas?
He never backed down to bullies and grew bolder in decisions (burning papal bull and letter to Albert of Mainz)
What did Luther do in response to the Papal bull?
After his 60 days were up he and his students burnt books on canon law and anti-Lutheran materials including the Papal bull exsurge domine.
What did Rome do in response?
A month later they issued another papal bull stating that Luther and his supporters were to be excommunicated.
