Martin Luther The Man, the Myth, the Legend

Luther’s Early Life Raised in Germany Attended university – described it as ‘a beerhouse and a whorehouse’. Days of ‘rote learning and wearying spiritual exercises.’ Onto law school…

Spiritual Development Interested in theology and philosophy – Philosophy was too much about reason. Not enough about a loving God. Reason could not lead a man to God.

Lightening Strikes! Literally. July 2 nd, 1505: struck by lightening on way back to law school. Told his father he cried, “HELP! Saint Anne! I will become a monk!”

Augustinian Monk Dedicated himself: fasting, hours of prayer, pilgrimage, frequent confession. Ordained in 1507, went to study and teach at the University of Wittenberg

Indulgences? Indulege-donts! The Church preached that faith alone would not provide salvation. – Good Works (read: donate money) were also key pieces. Indulgences has been a part of the Church as early as 1095, when Pope Urban II remitted penance for participating in the Crusades and, if they couldn’t participate, by giving cash $$.

In 1516, Johann Tetzel, a friar and papal commissioner for indulgences was sent to Germany. – The Church wanted money to rebuild St. Peter’s Basilica. Tetzel was the man to get it!

“As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs!”

Martin Luther – Fit to be Tied! October 31 st, 1517: “Disputation of Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” (95 Theses) sent to Bishop/nail up on church door.

Key Beliefs of Martin Luther Forgiveness is God’s alone to grant, so indulgences are in error. Must continue to follow God and not rely on indulgences for salvation. JUSTIFICATION THROUGH FAITH ALONE!

“All have sinned and are justified freely, without their own works and merits, by His grace…This is necessary to believe. This cannot be other acquired or grasped by any work, law or merit. Therefore, it is clear and certain that this faith alone justifies us…” - Martin Luther Smalcald Articles

Holler at ya boy Gutenberg! By 1518, the 95 Theses had been translated from Latin to German and printed and copied. Spread throughout Germany, than Europe! Luther became a popular writer and speaker.

The Church Response The Pope called Martin Luther to Rome in October 1518 where he was questioned by the Papal Legate (Pope’s Lawyer) Martin Luther insinuated that the papacy was the antichrist and all hell broke loose. – This made more enemies than the 95 Theses.

Martin the troublemaker In 1519, Luther went on to irritate the Church by stating… – That other people (even lay people!) can interpret scripture (not just the Pope!). – That neither the Pope nor clergy were infallible (incapable of making mistakes or being wrong).

Excommunication June 15 th, 1520, the Exsurge Domine (a papal bull) warned Luther that he would be excommunicated from the church and deemed a heretic unless he recanted within 60 days. Luther burns that mother down. Boom.

Diet of Worms – 1521 Secular Meeting /General Assembly of the Holy Roman Empire to enforce ban of the 95 Theses.

When asked if he was ready to revoke his heresies, Martin Luther took a day to pray about it and then said…. “If I recant these, now, then, I would be doing nothing but strengthening tyranny [of the Church]” Then he fled…

Edict of Worms by Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire “For this reason we forbid anyone from this time forward to dare, either by words or by deeds, to receive, defend, sustain or favor the said Martin Luther. On the contrary, we want him to be apprehended and punished as a notorious heretic, as he deserves…those who will help in his capture will be rewarded generously for their good work.”