Category: Martin Luther and the Reformation
-
Martin Luther, Part 9: Luther Before the Diet
Both Luther and Elector Frederick had requested that the hearing take place before a committee appointed by the diet. At first the diet agreed to this, but on April 17 Luther was told that he was to make his appearance before the diet itself. He was also told to conduct himself courteously and not to speak except when answering questions.…
-
Martin Luther, Part 8: The Accused (continued)
The Summons from the Emperor Luther had dared to defy the pope. What would happen now? On January 3, 1521, Pope Leo X announced the formal excommunication of Martin Luther and his followers. The pope thereby decreed that everyone was to consider Luther and his supporters heretics and heathen. The church had excommunicated Luther, but that was where its power…
-
A Letter from the Editor of Reformation 500
Dear Brothers in Christ, As you are reading this post, it will already be December. For pastors that means Advent and the getting-ready-for-Christmas season. Even so, I would like to take the opportunity to talk a little about Reformation 500. Such an anniversary comes along only once every five hundred years (obviously), and because this…
-
Martin Luther, Part 7: The Accused
Luther knew that he had spoken the truth, but he knew that Rome very likely would condemn him and do everything possible to destroy him. A showdown had to come between him and the pope and between him and the emperor. The church was the first to act.
-
Martin Luther, Part 6: The Reformer (continued)
Luther’s Call for Reformation Luther returned to Wittenberg with renewed determination to do all he could to combat the spiritual evils that had plagued the people for so many years. The cell in the Black Cloister was his workshop. There his mind and pen worked tirelessly to produce tracts, pamphlets, and books. In one year alone the printers published…
-
Martin Luther, Part 5: The Reformer (continued)
The Leipzig Debate Luther returned to Wittenberg and concentrated on his lectures and his study of God’s Word. He published nothing that related to his differences with the church. But his enemies did not keep silent. Before long, Luther found himself in a dispute that marked the parting of the ways between him and his followers and the Catholic Church.
-
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…
-
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.