Abstract:
This paper will examine the German Peasants’ War and more specifically, compare and contrast the roles of Martin Luther and Thomas Münzter. It will begin by detailing the history of the Reformation to offer historical context explaining what caused the war, compare and contrast the roles of Martin Luther and Thomas Münzter during the war, and finish by concluding all subjects covered. By the conclusion, readers will have gained an understanding of the roles of Luther and Münzter during the war.
Introduction:
The German Peasants War was inspired by changes in Europe as a result of the Reformation. The Reformation began on October 31, 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany (CITE). In disagreement with the sale of indulgences, Luther commented on the theology of the Catholic Church. As stated in the Britannica …show more content…
However, Luther strongly opposed the peasant’s revolts. Luther remained allegiant to the noble citizenry of Germany and spoke against the violence of the rebels. In his pamphlet, Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants, he outlined his thoughts on the war. After visiting Thüringen and seeing the reality of the war, Luther preached against violence. In his book, Luther admonished the peasants for violating oaths of loyalty, committing crimes against their faith, and using Christ’s name to justify their actions. Luther even sided with the noble’s response to the violence citing that the peasants deserved to be punished for their actions (CITE). Luther sided with the nobility due to St. Paul’s the Divine Rights of Kings in Romans 13:1-7 (CITE). In this epistle, it is said that all authorities are appointed by God, and should therefore not be resisted. Luther saw the nobility as appointments chosen by God and in turn, believed the rebels were doing the devil’s work by rebelling against these
This paper will examine the German Peasants’ War and more specifically, compare and contrast the roles of Martin Luther and Thomas Münzter. It will begin by detailing the history of the Reformation to offer historical context explaining what caused the war, compare and contrast the roles of Martin Luther and Thomas Münzter during the war, and finish by concluding all subjects covered. By the conclusion, readers will have gained an understanding of the roles of Luther and Münzter during the war.
Introduction:
The German Peasants War was inspired by changes in Europe as a result of the Reformation. The Reformation began on October 31, 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany (CITE). In disagreement with the sale of indulgences, Luther commented on the theology of the Catholic Church. As stated in the Britannica …show more content…
However, Luther strongly opposed the peasant’s revolts. Luther remained allegiant to the noble citizenry of Germany and spoke against the violence of the rebels. In his pamphlet, Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants, he outlined his thoughts on the war. After visiting Thüringen and seeing the reality of the war, Luther preached against violence. In his book, Luther admonished the peasants for violating oaths of loyalty, committing crimes against their faith, and using Christ’s name to justify their actions. Luther even sided with the noble’s response to the violence citing that the peasants deserved to be punished for their actions (CITE). Luther sided with the nobility due to St. Paul’s the Divine Rights of Kings in Romans 13:1-7 (CITE). In this epistle, it is said that all authorities are appointed by God, and should therefore not be resisted. Luther saw the nobility as appointments chosen by God and in turn, believed the rebels were doing the devil’s work by rebelling against these