Category: Martin Luther and the Reformation
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Martin Luther, Part 4: The Reformer (continued)
Luther Meets with Cardinal Cajetan On September 25, 1518, Luther set out on foot for Augsburg. He traveled with a friend, Brother Leonard Beier. Although he had a letter of safe conduct, Luther was troubled. He knew what it could mean for him. He said, “I have the stake before my eyes constantly.” In Weimar a Franciscan monk warned…
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Martin Luther, Part 3: The Reformer
During the months that followed the posting of the theses, Luther quietly continued to do his work as teacher and pastor. He knew that his theses were being read and discussed throughout Europe, but little did he realize that soon he would have to contend and do battle with the most powerful organization on earth—the Roman Catholic Church.
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Martin Luther, Part 2: The Professor and Preacher (continued)
The Evil of Indulgences As the pastor of a congregation, Luther was responsible for the spiritual welfare of its members. He felt that some things were practiced and permitted in the church that were wrong and harmful to the people. One such matter was the misuse of indulgences. Originally an indulgence was a letter or certificate issued by the…
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Martin Luther, Part 1: The Professor and Preacher
After a short stay in Erfurt, Luther was transferred back to the University of Wittenberg to teach theology. Although Wittenberg was an insignificant town of only two thousand people, Luther was pleased to go to Wittenberg. There he would have the opportunity to intensify his study of God’s Word. Wittenberg would be his home for the rest of his life.…