Martin Luther's "Against the Peasants"

Will Stewart

Thesis: Luther argues that the rebelling peasants have forfeited their basic human rights and that it is the duty of anyone who has an opportunity to kill them.

I. Luther's arguments against rebels

A. They are "violently robbing and plundering monasteries and castles"

B. Worse than highwaymen and murderers

C. Rebellion devastates land like a fire

D. Going against scripture which says to follow government

1. "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities." Romans 12 (13:1)

2. "Be subject to every ordinance of man" (I Pet. 2:13)

E. They want to keep their own property and make everyone else's common property

2. Luther's propsed method to deal with them

A. Everyone who has the opportunity must destroy rebels

1. Like someone's obligation to put out a fire

2. "Therefore let everyone who can, smite, slay, and stab, secretely or openly, remembering that nothing can be more poisonous, hurtful, or devilish than a rebel."

B. Rulers should not even allow rebels to be subject to fair judgement

1. Immediate execution is good

2. "Indeed, it is his duty to punish such scoundrels, for this is why he bears the sword. . ."