- What did he mean by liberty?
- Luther used the term "liberty" when referring to the Christian soul. This freedom has nothing to do with things of this world, but rather the divine. So, a man can be spiritually "set free" by studying Scripture and attain religious liberty.
So, going along with this idea of liberty ,what does Luther mean when he says: "A Christian is ...subject to none, and subject to everyone" ? (and no, he wasn't going crazy like all the inbred monarchs)
- Luther believed that every man has two forms : an inward (the soul) and an outward (physical body); meaning that nothing on earth , like the good works and indulgences of the Catholic church, can affect the soul part of a man. If the man studies the Scripture, which came from God, his soul can be free and have liberty in Christ.
- But, looking at the second half of his statement, the man's mortal body still has to carry out the duties expected of him on earth . He still has to listen to authority and be the best servant he can be.
Sadly, Jacques and all his peasant friends stopped listening before they got to that second point
- The peasant class across Germany took the first concept of being "subject to none" and applied it to their lives. Instead of picking apples for their lord, they started organizing rebellions using Luther's teachings.
-Of course, Luther had to step in and refer the peasants to the part of On Christian Liberty that says they still have to obey the law and be a good servant on earth.
It wasn't just the peasants that were listening (or half listening) to Luther's teachings, though. Many groups started to take up this new religion. These groups included:
1. Those who sincerely preferred Luther's interpretation of the Scripture being supremely important, and wanted to follow his teachings.
2. Then those who were so angry with the corruption /lack of education in the Catholic church that they figured anything would be better than the Pope and Catholicism. These feelings opened the door for Luther's teachings.
3. Businesspeople were not enjoying giving their money away for church tithes. So, when a new religion came around where they didn't have to pay to practice, they were all for it.
Other Factors that Contributed to the Growth of Protestantism:
1. the Printing Press - More of Luther's ideas were being printed and sent to widespread areas; people across Europe were learning of the new religion and it's ideas . Through this technology, Luther's social doctrines could be shared . These doctrines included :
- Role of women within the home; the home was referred to as a woman's world where she could carry out Christian values (ex: patience, respect, love)
- Getting rid of monastic life; under Luther, every vocation was sacred, not only monks; this appealed to those of lower working class especially
2. Nation's Background
- While Luther's ideas were taking shape, Germany (in all its fragmented states) had a new leader in Charles V . However, like those before him, the politics he put in place did little to unite Germany or stop the grow of Luther's Protestantism.
- Charles V marked the last of the medieval emperors--> why?
-He wanted to unite all of Europe under the Catholic faith; Charles was attempting to create political unity for his Holy Roman Empire under the veil of one religion, namely Catholicism
-But, poor Chuck V was just a little delusional about this goal because he was trying to do this at a time when religion was being questioned/undermined
So, we leave off with Germany still being divided, Luther's ideas still spreading, and the Habsburg's still marrying their cousins.
Interesting post. Fun pictures.
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