Martin Luther

Freedom of a Christian Written November 1520 Written November 1520 Papal bull excommunicating Luther written June 15, 1520, received Oct 10, 1520 Papal bull excommunicating Luther written June 15, 1520, received Oct 10, 1520 Luther tried for heresy April 1521 Luther tried for heresy April 1521 Part of a trio of writings Part of a trio of writings “Freedom” for the common people “Freedom” for the common people “Letter to Nobility” about authority, to princes “Letter to Nobility” about authority, to princes “Babylonian Captivity” about sacraments “Babylonian Captivity” about sacraments

Argument Audience and purpose Audience and purpose Thesis Thesis Part I Part I Part II Part II

Letter to the German Nobility Written June 1520 Written June 1520 Shows Luther’s reliance on political support, where church support was lacking Shows Luther’s reliance on political support, where church support was lacking Struck a deep historical chord Struck a deep historical chord Long history of German emperors vs. popes Long history of German emperors vs. popes Claims of papacy increased from 1070s (Gregory VII) to 1302 (Boniface VIII) Claims of papacy increased from 1070s (Gregory VII) to 1302 (Boniface VIII) Political authority must submit to spiritual authority Political authority must submit to spiritual authority Both kinds of authority belong to the church Both kinds of authority belong to the church “Three Walls” are the necessary framework for the possibility of a Reformation “Three Walls” are the necessary framework for the possibility of a Reformation

Argument Audience and purpose Audience and purpose Thesis Thesis Wall 1 Wall 1 Wall 2 Wall 2 Wall 3 Wall 3