Luther’s impact on Western Civilization

1. Luther’s impact on Western Civilization The Protestant Reformation

2. Today’s Goals • Causes of the Reformation • Impact of Reformation of Western Civilization

3. The Protestant Reformation • 16th Century split from Roman Catholic Church • initiated by Martin Luther • Protestant Christian religions emerged • Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism • Other Sects grown from Protestantism • Anabaptists, Huguenots, Puritans

4. Long Term Causes • Social Causes • Renaissance values of humanism and secularism made people question Church • Technological Causes • Guttenberg’s printing press allowed ideas to spread rapidly • Economic Causes • Northern European princes and merchants resented Church taxes (indulgences, tithes) • Political Causes • Northern European princes resented Papal power within their territories • Religious Causes • Avignon Papacy, Babylonian Captivity, Great Schism weakened Church • Corruption of Church officials • Simony, pluralism, sale of indulgences Pope Leo X of the Medici Family Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503) of the Borgia Family Sketch of St. Peter’s Basilica by Michelangelo

5. Wittenberg, Germany October 1517

6. The Spark

7. Martin Luther • German Catholic Augustinian Monk • Major conversion moment during lightning storm • Earned doctorate in theology • Extremely pious, serious, and confused about his own salvation • Sent to Rome to calm his despair over his unworthiness • Shocked over corruption of Catholicism in Rome Portraits of Hans and Margarethe Luther Head of John the Baptist Relic Luther as an Augustinian monk

8. The Spark • Indulgences • Document which Papacy claimed would absolve Christians of sin • St. Peter’s Basilica • Massive Catholic cathedral in Vatican • Pope Leo X needed money to finish construction • Johann Tetzel (1465-1519) • German friar who was authorized to sell indulgences (for St. Peters) • Used high pressure sales tactics on German peasants • “As soon as gold in the basin rings, the souls in purgatory spring”

9. The 95 Theses • Out of love for the truth and from desire to elucidate (clearly explain) it, the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology, and ordinary lecturer therein at Wittenberg, intends to defend the following statements and to dispute on them in that place. Therefore he asks that those who cannot be present and dispute with him orally shall do so in their absence by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

10. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own authority or that of the canons. • The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring and showing that it has been remitted by God; or, to be sure, by remitting guilt in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in these cases were disregarded, the guilt would certainly remain unforgiven. • God remits guilt to no one unless at the same time he humbles him in all things and makes him submissive to the vicar, the priest. Again, ``Why does not the pope, whose wealth is today greater than the wealth of the richest Crassus, build this one basilica of St. Peter with his own money rather than with the money of poor believers?'' • Again, ``What does the pope remit or grant to those who by perfect contrition already have a right to full remission and blessings?'' • Again, ``What greater blessing could come to the church than if the pope were to bestow these remissions and blessings on every believer a hundred times a day, as he now does but once?''

11. Put a CAPP on that Doc • Context • Note the date in which the doc was created • What long term trends/zeitgeist and/or contemporary events affect what the author says, what the artist paints, and what the political cartoonist draws, etc.? • Audience • Note the source of the doc and to whom is the author speaking • How does this shape what the author says or creates? • A speech before a tribunal, a painting for a wealthy patron, a private letter between friends, a diary, a memoir • Purpose • Why is the doc written? • Is the author, artist trying to explain, to justify, to persuade, to enrage, to instill fear, to record, to elevate his or her own notoriety? • Point of View • What inherent biases may the author have? • What is the author’s/ artist’s gender, religion, occupation, social class, nationality, political persuasion and how might this shape their weltanschauung?

12. Bust a CAPP in dat DOC • Context (What events, era, ideas, etc. influenced the author?) • Christian Humanism, His pilgrimage to Rome, Erasmus, etc. • Individualism, “man is a miraculous creature”, virtu • Audience (To whom is the author speaking and how might that influence what is being said?) • Church intellectuals, (written in Latin) • Purpose (Why is the author saying what he is saying? What does he hope to gain?) • To discuss a theological matter, other motives? • Point of View (What is the author’s gender, social class, occupation, position in society, religion and how might this shape what is said or illustrate his credibility?) • Doctorate in Theology, Monk and professor, other influences on how he sees the world?

13. 95 Thesis • Luther’s Response • 95 Theses (10/31/1517) • Criticized sale of indulgences/ papal wealth/papal authority • Written in Latin • Common method to spark debate among theologians • Leipzig Debate • Johann Eck v. Luther • Luther denied Papal infallibility, criticized corruption & opulence of Pope • Excommunicated by Papal Bull in 1521 • 95 Thesis mass produced via printing press

14. Luther Blogs

15. Put a CAPP on that Doc • Context • Note the date in which the doc was created • What long term trends/zeitgeist and/or contemporary events affect what the author says, what the artist paints, and what the political cartoonist draws, etc.? • Audience • Note the source of the doc and to whom is the author speaking • How does this shape what the author says or creates? • A speech before a tribunal, a painting for a wealthy patron, a private letter between friends, a diary, a memoir • Purpose • Why is the doc written? • Is the author, artist trying to explain, to justify, to persuade, to enrage, to instill fear, to record, to elevate his or her own notoriety? • Point of View • What inherent biases may the author have? • What is the author’s/ artist’s gender, religion, occupation, social class, nationality, political persuasion and how might this shape their weltanschauung?

16. Address the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520), Source: Martin Luther, German Catholic priest and theologian . . Poor Germans that we are--we have been deceived! We were born to be masters, and we have been compelled to bow the head beneath the yoke of our tyrants, and to become slaves. Name, title, outward signs of royalty, we possess all these; force, power, right, liberty, all these have gone over to the popes, who have robbed us of them. They get the kernel, we get the husk . . . It is time the glorious Teutonic people should cease to be the puppet of the Roman pontiff. .. CAPP Analysis • Context • Audience • Purpose • Point of View

17. Luther’s Theology & Implications • Faith Alone • Rejected idea that “good works” & indulgences needed for Salvation • Salvation is freely given by God • Bible ultimate authority • Rejected idea that Papal Bulls held spiritual weight • Translated Bible into German • Only 2 sacraments • Priesthood of All Believers • Said that each individual is spiritually equal in eyes of God • Rejects spiritual hierarchy • Influence of humanism (Mirandola) • Obligated to save own soul • Rejects celibacy/ praises marriage & motherhood • Secular rulers are supreme authority in all matters except theological The Wartburg room where Luther translated the New Testament into German. Begin at minute 22

18. On Christian Liberty (1520)Source: Martin Luther, German Catholic priest and theologian, “open letter” to Pope Leo X CAPP Analysis • Context • Audience • Purpose • Point of View Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one. Although these statements appear contradictory, yet, when they are found to agree together, they will make excellently for my purpose. They are both the statements of Paul himself, who says, "Though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all" (1 Cor. ix. 19), and "Owe no man anything, but to love one another" (Rom. xiii. 8). Now love is by its own nature dutiful and obedient to the beloved object. Thus even Christ, though Lord of all things, was yet made of a woman; made under the law; at once free and a servant; at once in the form of God and in the form of a servant.

19. Point of View • Clearly one must consider the position of the author in this doc because as a __________ the author would naturally favor • One must consider the motive of the author in this doc because as a ___________ he stands to gain _________ • (It makes sense/ It is surprising) that ________________ feels this way because as a ________________ he would naturally favor _____________________ • This document is (insightful/ valuable/ must be taken with caution) because it illustrates the • One must take note of (the tone, the occasion) for which this doc is written because ___________

20. Diet of Worms (1521) • Charles V • Emperor of Holy Roman Empire • promised no subject excommunicated without a trial • Luther placed on trial at Diet of Worms • Diet made up of princes, bishops, representatives of Free Cities • Luther ordered to recant his beliefs • He refused • Speech asserted freedom of conscience • Luther branded an outlaw • Luther kidnapped by Elector Frederick III Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. To go against conscience is neither right nor safe. I cannot and will not recant. May God help me. Amen.

21. Diet of Worms

22. Protestantism • Luther hid under protection of Frederick of Saxony • Translated Bible into German • Democratizes religion!!!! • Encourages literacy!!!!! • Northern German princes turned to Lutheranism • Motives • Way to stop Church authority • Opportunity to seize lands • Liked Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520) stress on superiority of secular rulers • Diet of Speyer (1529) Charles V ordered Luther and his followers arrested • Princes issue defiant PROTEST • Hence the term Protestant • Form the League of Schmalkaden in 1531 • Allied with French King Francis I (who ironically was Catholic) against HRE

23. The Swabian Peasant Uprising (1525) • Motives • Crop failures in 1523-24 furthered aggrieved peasants burdened by nobles’ rents • Peasant Revolts • Twelve Articles (1525) • Used Biblical scripture to justify rebellion • Other motives • Inspired by Luther’s On Christian Liberty • Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none • Demanded social and economic equality • Demand an end to serfdom, tithes, feudalism

24. The Twelve Articles of the Swabian Peasants (March 1525) Source: Authored by peasant Sebastian Lotzer and signed by a committee representing 25 villages pertaining to the city of Memmingen, Swabia region of Württemberg. CAPP Analysis Context Audience Purpose Point of View The Seventh Article : {We will} not hereafter allow ourselves to be farther oppressed by our lords, but will let them demand only what is just and proper according to the word of the agreement between the lord and the peasant. The lord should no longer try to force more services or other dues from the peasant without payment, but permit the peasant to enjoy his holding in peace and quiet. The peasant should, however, help the lord when it is necessary, and at proper times when it will not be disadvantageous to the peasant and for a suitable payment.

25. CAPP Analysis • Placing this document in its historical context, one can see the influence of ____________________________ in shaping the point of view of the author. (Explanation of context) • Perhaps emulating Luther who challenged the powerful medieval institution of the Church, the peasants are challenging the medieval institution of feudalism.

26. Other tips to consider • Position • Consider who wrote the doc • Are they an eyewitness to the event? • If so, this is usually a valuable source • Would they be in a position to know what they’re talking about? • A noble writing about peasant life or vice versa may not be a very reliable source • Tone • Does the author use emotional language, fiery rhetoric • If so, this source must be taken with caution, especially in a speech or open letter • Occasion • Is it a public speech, an open letter meant for the public to see • Anything said or written to the public is usually carefully worded an meant to sway public opinion • It may not really reflect what the author or public felt • Is it a memoir • Written years later • Could be a valuable source (careful reflection years later) • Could be a apologist (make excuses for past mistakes) • Is it a diary • Usually a very reliable source in terms of how the person really felt • What does the author Want? • Motive

27. (It makes sense/ It is surprising) that ________________ feels this way because as a ________________ he would naturally favor _____________________ • This document is (insightful/ valuable/ must be taken with caution) because it illustrates the

28. Luther’s Response Click for Clip 41- • At first supported then later condemned the revolts • Against the Murdering Thieving Hordes of Peasants(1525) • Luther condemned the peasants as devils • Used scripture to repudiate Twelve Articles • Believed that rebellion would lead to end of civilization • Calls for their liquidation • Why did he side with the Lords? Women and priests retrieve the dead bodies of Swabian soldiers just outside the city gates of Constance after the Battle of Triboltingen in the Swabian War

29. Against the Murdering Thieving Hordes of Peasants (1525) Source: Martin Luther, leader of the Protestant Reformation following the murder of High Governor, count Ludwig Helferich of Helfenstein, addressed to the princes of Germany CAPP Analysis Context Audience Purpose Point of View • With threefold horrible sins against God and men have these peasants loaded themselves, for which they have deserved a manifold death of body and soul. • First they have sworn to their true and gracious rulers to be submissive and obedient, in accord with God's command (Matt. xxii. 21), "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's," and (Rom. xiii. 1), "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers." But since they have deliberately an sacrilegiously abandoned their obedience, and in addition have dared to oppose their lords, they have thereby forfeited body an soul, as perfidious (deceitful), perjured, lying, disobedient wretches and scoundrels are wont to do. Wherefore St. Paul judges them, saying (Rom. xiii. 2.), "And they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." The peasants will incur this sentence, sooner or later; for God wills that fidelity and allegiance shall be sacredly kept.

30. (It makes sense/ It is surprising) that ________________ feels this way because as a ________________ he would naturally favor _____________________

31. Impact of Luther’s Theology • Spiritual Equality • Influence of humanism • Individual’s Freedom of Conscience • Influence of humanism • Encouraged literacy • Role of technology • Raised status of women • Leads to other religions Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch painter, 1629 Rembrandt’s Mother Reading

32. Appeal of Protestant Ideas • Luther • Skill with language • Translated Bible into German • Became standard German dialect • His ideas spread rapidly due to Printing Press • Christian Humanist • Attracted to Luther’s stress on simpler, more personal religion, centrality of scripture, end of elaborate ceremonies • Educated • attracted to stress on reading, education • Townspeople • resented Catholic Church wealth, Tithes • Secular Rulers • Liked Luther’s stress on obedience to secular rulers

33. Marriage and Sexuality • Celibacy against human nature according to Luther • Married former nun, Katharina von Bora • Had several children • Model of proper Christian family • Protestantism denied that marriage was a sacrament but said had to be ordained by God to be a Proper marriage • Men and Women are Spiritual equality • But maintained social hierarchy • Husband authority of household & must be obeyed • Urged to be kind to wife but may use physical force if necessary (breaking a horse) • Marriage viewed as created by God to aid human weakness • Couples who had bad marriage endangered own soul and communities • Allowed divorce (as a last resort)

34. Protestant Impact on Status of Women • Many educated nothern European women were attracted to Luther’s theology • Elevated status of marriage, women in general • Argula von Grumbach • Aristocratic woman who called on women to speak out on theological matters (priesthood of all believers) • Prostitution condemned • City brothels closed (except Italy) • Moved outside city • Overall impact • Mostly positive • But convent (Catholic) did provide some upper class women with literary, artistic opportunity and medical security • Closure of convents made marriage the only occupation for women • Unmarried women (and men) became suspect!!! • IE. Witches

35. Letter from noblewoman, Argula von Grumbach to University of Ingolstadt concerning Arsacius Seehofer, the young teacher who had been arrested for Protestant views and forced to recant CAPP Analysis Context Audience Purpose Point of View • What have Luther and Melanchthon taught save the Word of God? You have condemned them. You have not refuted them. Where do you read in the Bible that Christ, the apostles, and the prophets imprisoned, banished, burned, or murdered anyone? You tell us that we must obey the magistrates. Correct. But neither the pope, nor the Kaiser, not the princes have any authority over the Word of God. You need not think you can pull God, the prophets and the apostles out of heaven with papal decretals drawn from Aristotle, who was not a Christian at all. . . . You seek to destroy all of Luther's works. In that case you will have to destroy the New Testament, which he has translated. In the German writings of Luther and Melanchthon I have found nothing heretical. . . Even if Luther should recant, what he has said would still be the Word of God. I would be willing to come and dispute with you in German… • I send you not a woman's ranting, but the Word of God. I write as a member of the Church of Christ against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. . . • —Argula von Grumbach, 1523

36. (It makes sense/ It is surprising) that ________________ feels this way because as a ________________ he would naturally favor _____________________ • Placing this document in its historical context, one can see the influence of ____________________________ in shaping the point of view of the author. (Explanation of context)