Luther and Frederick the Wise: Background Flashcards
Who was Luther?
Highly educated, attended University of Erfurt - 1 MA, 2 BA and a doctorate in theology
Monk after near death experience in July 1505 and dedicated himself to Augustinian Order
Taught theology at University of Wittenberg from 1508
What showed Frederick was reform-minded?
Wrote to Maximilian I in 1500 regarding need for religious reform and danger posed by church corruption - refused to allow Tetzel into Saxony, indulgences in general only sold on All Saints Day
List 5 actions that demonstrate the importance of Frederick’s early protection:
Provided an armed escort to Triennial Convention
Warned Luther against going to Rome, convincing Cajetan to come to Augsburg
Refused to execute either of the papal bulls
Obtained exemption from Edict of Worms - created a haven for Luther and shows mutual respect of CV and FW
Kidnapped Luther after Worms and sheltered him in Wartburg Castle to protect him from the ramifications of the imperial ban
How convinced was FW by reformed theology?
Luther represented opportunity to undermine imperial power and expand his own power - but also had some obligation to protect a professor of his vanity project, the university, and thus his own reputation
Relic collection however showed he remained a Catholic, which included over 19,000 items - stopped displaying it in 1522 despite Luther’s protests, and received both a Catholic and Lutheran confession on his deathbed
