1. The Freedom of a Christian

2. Imperial Electoral Politics Golden Bull 1356 – Certain princes, bishops designated electors Hereditary custom, not principle: Habsburgs Hohenzollern rivalry – Archbishop Albrecht Francis I of France a candidate Tetzel’s indulgence: – Albrecht to become Archbishop (simony) – Loan from Fuggers (banking giants) – Pope wanted money for St. Peter’s

3. Charles V and Frederick the Wise

4. Luther’s Road Oct 1517 95 Theses: invitation to a disputation 1518 Heidelberg Disputation 1519 Leipzig Debate – Karlstadt, Eck 1520 Exsurge Domine 1520 three treatises – Babylonian Captivity of the Church – Address to the German Nation – Freedom of a Christian 1521 Diet of Worms

5. Questions How is it that Luther escaped the usual death reserved for those deemed heretics? What were the dimensions and limitations of Charles V's power as emperor? What stand did Luther take, and why? Why did the pope excommunicate Luther, and why did Charles declare him an outlaw?

6. Documents 2.15 Address to the German Nobility: Three walls – Limitation on temporal power Difference in kind between priests and laymen – Monopoly over interpretation of scripture – Only pope can call a council Abolition of begging Education 2.16 Babylonian Captivity: sacraments – Denies seven sacraments Baptism, penance, and the bread remain – Critique of the eucharist Priests only take the cup Transubstantiation Mass as a sacrifice

7. Freedom of a Christian Although you only need to skim the dedication to Pope Leo, see if you can manage to discern Luther's attitude toward the pontiff. Does he hold him responsible for the state of Christendom? If not, whom does he blame? What does Luther mean when he says at the same time that a Christian is subject to none and subject to all? Explain Luther's division of humankind into a twofold nature.

8. Freedom of a Christian (cont.) What is the meaning of the wedding analogy in describing the soul's relationship to Christ? What does he mean when he says we are all priests? What is the purpose and role of good works? What concessions should Christians make to the weakness of others?