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Luther Martin (1483-1546), theologian and political figure, head of the Reformation in Germany, founder of German Protestantism (Lutheranism).
Born November 10, 1483 in Eislebahn (Saxony). A graduate of the University of Erfurt and a Master of Liberal Arts, Luther unexpectedly left the path of a secular scientist at a young age and became a monk. He did this, being sure of his extreme sinfulness and fearful of God's wrath. Luther was tonsured in the Augustinian order, known, on the one hand, for the great severity of the charter, and on the other hand, for theological "liberties", frequent discrepancies with official church doctrine.
Luther, a talented man, educated and zealous in the faith, quickly stood out among the brethren. Having become a priest, he soon returned to scientific studies - now theological. In 1512 Luther, doctor of theology, took up a professorship in biblical history at the University of Wittenberg. The decline of faith and discipline in the Church, the policy of Pope Giovanni de' Medici (Leo VII), who aspired primarily to power over Italy and personal enrichment, angered Luther. In the end, he became disillusioned with the papal power and placed his hope in the reform of the Church on the secular rulers. In addition, theological studies led him to the conviction of the falsity of the Catholic faith.
Luther rejected the Church's doctrine of grace, the possibility of salvation through good works. According to him, all people are equal before God by virtue of original sin. The acts of the saints were redundant and not needed for salvation, the clergy have no advantages. People are saved only by the power of sincere faith, which itself is a gift from God.
Luther rejected the worship of saints, icons, relics, demanded the severity and "cheapness" of the Church, the subordination of her secular power.
The mass issue of indulgences by Leo VII (letters that forgive sins for money) gave Luther a pretext for open speech. In 1517, he wrote 95 theses in which he accused the mercenary Pope of heresy. Luther ignored the call to Rome, and burned the papal bull, which excommunicated him from the Church, at the same fire with a pile of indulgences (1520) with a large gathering of people.
From that moment on, he became the recognized leader of the Reformation - a movement for the transformation of the Church.
Rejecting papal authority, Luther enlisted the support of the German princes. This was to the advantage of his desire to subordinate the Church to the secular authorities, transferring the appointment of bishops to their will.
The new Pope Clement VII (Giulio Medici), busy with the war for Italy with Emperor Charles W, remained indifferent to German affairs. The burden of the struggle against the Reformation fell on Charles himself - an enemy of the Pope, but a devout Catholic.
In 1530, the German theologian Melanchthon, who joined the Reformation, but was also close to the “people of the Renaissance”, created the Autsburg Confession of Faith together with Luther. The emperor rejected him, which was the beginning of the religious war in Germany.
The scale of the ensuing conflict worried Luther. He reacted sharply to the emergence of new leaders of the Reformation, such as W. Zwingli, T. Müntzer, J. Calvin.
Luther called on the allied princes to punish these "heretics" who led mass uprisings against the existing system. In addition, Pope Paul III, who ascended the throne in 1534 with the assistance of Charles, took up the fight against the Reformation in earnest.
Luther died in his native city on February 18, 1546.
The civil war in Germany raged for nearly a decade.
Martin Luther - head of the Reformation in Germany, Christian theologian, founder of Lutheranism (German Protestantism); he is credited with translating the Bible into German and establishing the norms of the common German literary language. He was born in Saxony, Eisleben, on November 10, 1483. His father was the owner of copper mines and a smelter, who had come out "into people" from miners. At the age of 14, Martin entered the Marburg Franciscan school. Fulfilling the will of his parents, the young man enters the University of Erfurt in 1501 to receive a higher legal education. After completing a liberal arts course and receiving a master's degree in 1505, Luther began to study jurisprudence, but he was much more interested in theology.
Ignoring the opinion of his father, Luther, remaining in the same city, goes to the monastery of the Augustinian order, where he takes up the study of medieval mysticism. In 1506 he became a monk, the following year he was ordained a priest. In 1508, Luther arrives at Wittenberg University to lecture. To become a doctor of theology, he studied in parallel. Sent to Rome on behalf of the order, he was greatly impressed by the depravity of the Roman Catholic clergy. In 1512 Luther became a doctor of theology and a professor. Teaching activity was combined with reading sermons and acting as the caretaker of 11 monasteries.
In 1517, on October 18, a papal bull was issued on the remission of sins and the sale of indulgences. On October 31, 1517, on the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Martin Luther hangs out 95 theses composed by him, criticizing the Catholic Church, rejecting its main postulates. According to the new religious teaching put forward by Luther, the secular state should not be dependent on the church, and the clergy themselves do not have to act as an intermediary between God and man, Luther assigned him the role of a mentor of Christians, an educator in the spirit of humility, etc. They rejected the cult of saints, the demand for celibacy of clerics, monasticism, and the authority of papal decrees. The opposition-minded population saw in Luther's teachings a call to overthrow the authority of Catholicism, as well as to speak out against social order with whom he was one.
Luther was summoned to Rome for a church trial, however, feeling public support, he did not go. In 1519, during a dispute with representatives of Catholicism, he openly voiced his agreement with many of the theses of Jan Hus, Czech reformer. Luther is anathematized; in 1520, in the courtyard of the university, he arranges a public burning of a papal bull, in which the head of the Catholics excommunicates him from the church, and in his address “To the Christian nobility of the German nation” the idea is heard that the cause of the whole nation is the struggle against papal dominance. Later, in 1520-1521, with a change in the political situation, his calls become less radical, he interprets Christian freedom as spiritual freedom, which is compatible with bodily lack of freedom.
Support for the Pope is provided by Emperor Charles, and during the years 1520-1521. Luther takes refuge in Wartburg Castle, owned by Elector Friedrich of Saxony. At this time, he begins to translate into native language Bible. In 1525, Luther arranges his personal life by marrying a former nun who bore him six children.
The next period of the biography of Martin Luther is marked by harsh criticism of the radical burgher reformist trends, popular uprisings, demands for reprisals against the rebels. At the same time, the history of German social thought captured Luther as a person who made a great contribution to the development of folk culture, a reformer of the literary language, music, and the education system.
Martin Luther is famous, first of all, for the fact that he laid the foundation for large-scale transformations in religious outlook people at the turn of the XV-XVI centuries, which led to the emergence of another direction of Christianity - Protestantism.
Who was Martin Luther?
Lucas Cranach. Hans and Margaret Luther.
Martin Luther was born into the family of a former peasant who became a mining metallurgist, and eventually a wealthy burgher. When the boy was 14 years old, he was sent to a Franciscan Catholic school, after which, at the behest of his parents, he began to study law at the University of Erfurt. From an early age, the boy was attracted to theology, together with his friends he performed church hymns under the windows of wealthy citizens.
In 1505, against the will of his parents, Martin left the Faculty of Law and entered the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt. After a year of service, the young man took monastic vows, and in 1507 he was ordained a priest.
In 1508 he was sent to teach at one of the newly established institutes at Wittenberg, where he became interested in the philosophical writings of Bishop Augustine, one of the foremost figures in the Christian church.
During one of his trips to Italy in 1511, Luther came to the conclusion that the Roman Catholic Church was everywhere abusing its position by issuing indulgences for money. It was a crisis of faith that he could not deal with for a long time.
Shortly after the trip, Luther received a doctorate in theology and began to teach extensively. At the same time, he studied the biblical texts very thoughtfully and painstakingly. As a result of his theological explorations, Luther developed his own beliefs about how a believer should serve God, which differed significantly from that of the Catholic Church.
"95 theses" and the beginning of the Reformation
95 theses of Luther. commons.wikimedia.org
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted on the doors of the Wittenberg Castle Church a document consisting of 95 theses criticizing the papacy and indulgences (forgiveness of sins for money). In his message, nailed to the door of the parish, he announced that the church is not an intermediary between God and man, and the Pope has no right to give absolution, since a person saves his soul not through the church, but through faith in the Creator.
At first, Luther's theses were left without due attention of the Pope, who considered that this was one of the manifestations of "monastic quarrels" (strife between different church parishes), which were not uncommon in those days. Meanwhile, Luther, with the support of the Roman Prince Frederick the Wise, continued to spread his views on the activities of the Catholic Church. Only when the Pope sent his emissaries to him did the theologian agree to stop criticizing the established church foundations.
Excommunication of Luther
One of the key events of the Reformation period was the Leipzig dispute, which took place in 1519. Johann Eck, an outstanding theologian and an ardent opponent of Luther, called one of the reformer's associates - Karlstadt - to a public debate in the city of Leipzig. All Eck's theses were constructed in such a way as to condemn the ideas and beliefs of Martin Luther. Luther was able to join the dispute and defend his position only a week after the start of the dispute.
Luther in Worms: "On this I stand...". commons.wikimedia.org
Martin Luther, in opposition to his opponent, insisted that the head of the church is Jesus Christ, and the papal church was consecrated only in the 12th century, thus not being a legitimate substitute for God on earth. The dispute between the two opponents lasted for two whole days, it was witnessed by a large number of people. The debate ended with Luther breaking all ties with the papal church.
The speech of the theologian from Erfurt stirred up the masses, spontaneously began to organize entire movements that demanded church reforms and the elimination of monastic vows.
Luther's ideas gained particular support among the emerging layer of capitalists, because the papal church strongly suppressed the economic independence and entrepreneurial activity of the people, condemning personal savings.
In 1521 the Roman Emperor Charles V published the so-called. Edict of Worms (decree), according to which Martin Luther was declared a heretic, and his works were to be destroyed. Anyone who supported him could henceforth be excommunicated from the papal church. Luther publicly burned the imperial decree and announced that the fight against papal dominance was his life's work.
Martin Luther burns the bull. Woodcut, 1557. Commons.wikimedia.org
Luther's patron Frederick the Wise secretly sent the theologian to the distant Wartburg castle so that the Pope could not find out about the location of the traitor. It was here, while in self-imposed imprisonment, that Luther began translating the Bible into German. It must be said that in those days the people did not have free access to biblical texts: there were no translations into German, and people had to rely on the dogmas that the church dictated to them. The work of translating the Bible into German was of great significance for the people, and helped the theologian himself to establish himself in his convictions regarding the Catholic Church.
Development of the Reformation
The main idea of the Reformation, according to Luther, was the non-violent limitation of the powers of the Pope, without war and bloodshed. However, spontaneous actions of the masses at that time were often accompanied by pogroms of Catholic parishes.
As a response, the imperial knights were sent, some of whom, however, went over to the side of the instigators of the Reformation. This happened because the social importance of the knights in a prosperous Catholic society had greatly decreased compared to ancient times, the warriors dreamed of restoring their reputation and privileged position.
The next stage in the confrontation between Catholics and reformers was the peasant war led by another spiritual leader of the Reformation - Thomas Munzer. The peasant revolt was unorganized and soon suppressed by the forces of the empire. However, even after the end of the war, the Reformationists continued to promote their vision of the role of the Catholic Church among the people. The reformers combined all their postulates into the so-called. Tetrapolitan confession.
At this time, Luther was already very ill and could not defend his vision of a non-violent Reformation in front of other participants in the protest movement. On February 18, 1546, he died in the city of Eisleben at the age of 62.
Bugenhagen preaches at Luther's funeral. commons.wikimedia.org
Reformation without Luther
Adherents of the idea of the Reformation began to be called Protestants, and those who followed the theological teaching of Mather Luther were called Lutherans.
The Reformation continued after the death of its ideological inspirer, although the imperial army dealt a serious blow to the Protestants. The cities and spiritual centers of Protestantism were devastated, many adherents of the Reformation were behind bars, even the grave of Martin Luther was destroyed. The Protestants were forced to make significant concessions to the Catholic Church, however, the ideas of the Reformation were not forgotten. In 1552, the second major war between the Protestants and the imperial forces began, which ended with the victory of the reformers. As a result, in 1555, the Augsburg Treaty was concluded between Catholics and Protestants. religious world, which equalized the rights of representatives of Catholicism, Protestantism and other faiths.
The reformation that began in Germany affected many European countries to varying degrees: Austria, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and France. The authorities of these states were forced to make concessions to the growing mass of the people, who demanded freedom of religion.
What are the main ideas of Martin Luther and what is his role in the Reformation process? What did he oppose and what were the consequences of his actions?
What was Luther's attitude to the state in general and to the church? We will try to answer these and other questions below.
The beginning of the Reformation and its goals
In the 16th century, the West was seized by a movement that was anti-feudal in its socio-economic essence, and anti-religious in its ideological form.
The activists of this movement, called the Reformation, pursued the following goals: changing the relationship between church and state, restructuring the official church doctrine, and completely transforming the organization of the Catholic Church. Germany was the main focus. What are Martin Luther's main ideas on this and how is he related to the Reformation movement? We will answer this question below.
Luther's 95 theses as an impetus for the Reformation
In fact, the famous 95 theses of the professor of Wittenberg University, Doctor of Theology Martin Luther, which he nailed to the doors of the church, became the beginning of the reformation. It was a form of protest against the sale of indulgences - absolution. The churchmen claimed that the saints performed so many feats and deeds that they could be sold to people as an absolution. For these 95 theses, Luther was excommunicated and put into disgrace. If not for the German princes, Luther would have been put to death. Nevertheless, the teachings of Martin Luther gained more and more followers.
Ideas of Martin Luther
Luther argued, relying on Holy Scripture, that monasticism in all manifestations and the vast majority of rites are not really based on the "authentic word of God."
Referring to Luther, he said that in order to get into the Kingdom of Heaven, a person only needs faith. The Catholic Church, in turn, prescribed for the salvation of the soul the making of contributions and the performance of numerous rites. This is one of the answers to the question of what are the main ideas of Martin Luther. It is not surprising that the church persecuted him, because according to the teachings of Luther, the believer must justify himself only before God and is his own priest. Thus, a person ceases to need the mediation of priests and is obliged to slavishly obey only God, and not the church. The teaching of Martin Luther says that all estates are the same and the priest is no different from the laity. According to Luther, only what is found in the Bible is sacred. Everything else is the work of human hands, which means it is not the truth and must be subjected to the strictest criticism.
Luther and the state
What are Martin Luther's main ideas about the state? One of the key provisions of the doctrine is the distinction between secular and religious power. At the same time, Luther in his teaching speaks of obedience to monarchs, of humility and patience. He also calls not to raise a rebellion against the government. Such an approach becomes understandable if we take into account the fact that a good ruler was considered one for whom power is a burden, not a privilege. According to Luther's teaching, the ruler is the servant, not the master of his people.
Secular power is designed to regulate the relations of people. The clergy also belong to the common people, who are subject to secular authority.
natural and divine law
What are Martin Luther's main ideas about the relationship between spiritual and secular power? If you pass them in a nutshell - Luther believed that order should be achieved due to the reliance of secular power not on divine law, but on natural law, despite the fact that it is a derivative of God's will. According to Luther, concepts such as free will and his inner world cannot be subject to the jurisdiction of the state.
Martin Luther (11/10/1483 - 02/18/1546) - Christian theologian, initiated the social and political movement in Europe - the Reformation. One of the Protestant currents in Christianity is named after him.
early years
Martin was born on Saxon soil, in the city of Eisleben (Germany). His father mined copper in mountain mines. With the birth of a boy, the family moved to Mansfeld, where their business went uphill, and the Luthers became wealthy citizens.
When Martin was fourteen, he began to study at a Catholic school in Magdeburg. With friends, the boy worked part-time, singing church songs at the houses of believers.
In 1501, his parents sent him to be educated at the University of Ertfurt. Then among the burghers it was believed that better education for a man - higher legal. However, Martin studied at the faculty of the "seven liberal arts". After receiving a master's degree, he began to study legal sciences.
In 1505 he decided to become a monk, despite his father's objections. There are different versions of the reasons for this choice. According to one of them, this happened from too strict upbringing, according to another, because of Luther's oppressed mood and awareness of his sinful life. There is also a legend according to which he was frightened by a strong thunderstorm and decided to change his life. Perhaps on young man influenced by communication in humanist circles.
Luther's parents - Hans and Margarita (artist L. Cranach)
The process of becoming a monk was rather difficult for Luther, but he made every effort to carry out his decision. Strictly followed all the rules, distinguished by exemplary behavior. He became a member of the Augustinian Order, which was headed by his friend I. Staupitz. He took a vow of monasticism in 1506, a year later he received the priesthood.
Teaching activity
From 1508, Luther became a teacher at Witterberg University. At this time, he studies the writings of Blessed Augustine. One of his students was the German writer E. Alberus. Pedagogical activity Martin combined with his own education, in 1512 he received a doctorate in theology.
One day Luther made a trip to Rome, from where he returned under great impression. He was struck by the depravity of the Roman clergy. He himself was very pious, constantly felt his weakness before God, carefully studied biblical texts. In addition to teaching, he was also a caretaker in 11 monasteries, as well as a church preacher.
Luther at the Diet of Worms (Werner, 1877)
Reformation
In 1517, Martin made a sharp criticism of the church, expressed in the "95 Theses". Such a reaction occurred as a result of the bull of the Pope on the sale of indulgences. In general, the theses expressed the denial of the basic dogmas and the Catholic system, the mediation of the church between people and God. In 1519, the Leipzig Debate took place, at which Luther declared that he doubted the righteousness of the papacy. As a result, he is anathematized. Luther, within the walls of the university, publicly burns a bull about his excommunication from the church and calls on the German nobles to fight against papal dominance.
In 1521, he was summoned to the Reichstag of Worms, where he explained himself to Emperor Charles V, a supporter of the Pope. By his edict of May 26, the emperor declared Luther a heretic and banned his writings. On the way from Worms, the theologian was kidnapped by Frederick of Saxony and was hidden in Wartburg Castle. Here he spent more than one year, began to translate the Bible into German with the help of Professor K. Kruziger. Supporters of Luther began to be subjected to repression, a rise began in Germany social movement. One of the consequences was the Peasants' War, during which Luther harshly condemned the rebels.
Portrait of Luther (L. Cranach, 1526)
In 1525, he married 26-year-old Katharina von Bora, who bore him six children. His wife was a former nun who decided to run away from the convent after reading his writings. Martin decided to find worthy husbands for her and the eleven girls who had run away with her, but he married Katharina himself. The family lived in a former monastery, the wife was engaged in housekeeping and was a faithful support to her husband.
In 1529, Luther published the Large and Small Catechisms, in which he sets out the foundations of Christianity. The Small Catechism is addressed to the laity, while the Large Catechism is addressed to the pastors. Despite the persecution, Luther was active, visiting parishes, preaching in churches. Before his death, he was ill a lot, he died in Eisleben.
In Germany, he is considered a great reformer who influenced culture, education and other aspects of German society. Luther had a special relationship with music, he was very fond of this art form. He took part in the creation of the church repertoire, wrote songs. His translation of the Bible helped to strengthen the foundations German language. Several films have been made about the life of Martin Luther.
