Lutheranism and Political and Social Upheaval

Thesis: As Lutheranism began to spread throughout Germany, radicals stirred by religious upheaval began to rebel against the established order and cause chaos in the Holy Roman Empire. Luther, appalled at this turn of events, denounced their violent cause and became more conservative in his opinions
Ι. Luther before the Revolutions
A. His new ideas
1. 95 theses
a. Grace and faith are the only way to true salvation
b. works are only the outward symbol of faith
2. Personal connection with God
a. one does not need a priest for a relationship with God
b. Only need two sacraments: baptism and communion
c. Purgatory doesn’t exist
d. Clergy can marry
B. Government can assume control over religion
ΙΙ. Religious Revolutions
A. Peasant revolt in Germany
1. Stirred by religious fervor
a. caused chaos all over Germany
b. caused by religion, but aims were for social and political rights
B. Anabaptists
1. Took over the city of Munster
a. They were religious fanatics who believed in polygamy and that
Christ was coming soon
b. John of Leydon ruled the city with revolutionary terror until
the city was captured by German armies
ΙΙΙ. Luther’s reaction
A. Shocked at turn of events
1. Horrified that religious fervor turned into violent political and social revolution
2. Denounced their tactics and cause
3. Encouraged princes to use force to stop them
B. More conservative
1. Restricted right of private judgment of conscience
2. Created larger place for an established clergy
3. Asserted that the Church be more submissive to the State