The Development of Lutheranism Flashcards
What time span does the real development of Lutheranism and its teaching take place?
1520s
Did the Lutheran Church have a clear structure?
No, clear structure for a uniform Lutheran church- despite top-down control in society.
What was Luther’s priority?
To respond to misinterpretation of his theology, get his message across accurately.
What did Luther do for the literate?
Utilised the power of the printing press again to publish key works on his theology.
What did Luther do for the illiterate?
He used visual images (didactic woodcuts), wrote hymns.
What was the new liturgy for both levels of literacy?
The structure of the service to be used in Lutheran churches was new ‘German’ Mass- focused on word of God in the Bible.
What was the Doctrine of the Real Presence?
Focused on the Eucharist and Luther argued a version of transubstantiation that the wine and bread remained but Christ also was present- Consubstantiation.
What did more radical P reformists (give an example) think of transubstantiation and how did this compare to Luther?
Rejected it completely. E.g. Ulrich Zwigli. Luther was conservative on this aspect with Consubstantiation.
What was the time period for the translation of the Bible into German?
1522-34
In what order did Luther translate the Bible?
The New Testament then the Old.
Why what Luther meticulous on getting the language right?
To make the Bible accessible to all who could read or listen.
What was the Bible used as?
A foundation document for Lutheran interpretation- hugely influenced it.
How was the Wittenberg press helpful for the spread of the German Lutheran Bible?
Key role in spreading the translation- 100,000+ copies by 1600.
Why did Luther use particular phrases?
To ‘Germanise’ the stories and to ensure German readers/listeners connected with the teaching.
What was seen as particularly controversial in the Bible?
Substituted ancient language for more modern German words.
What did do to support his key doctrine ‘sola fide’ in his Bible? Give an example.
Manipulated aspects of the new testament.
‘justification by faith alone’- he added the word ‘alone’ to St Paul’s testament words- ‘the just one saved by faith’.
When did he defend his decision to amend the translation (alone)? Did he generally defend from C criticisms?
Luther shrugged off C criticism of his changes, but did defend in writing in 1530 his decision to amend the translation.
When Luther wrote the German Mass in 1526 what was it like?
He placed the sermon ahead of the Eucharist as the key focal point of the service.
What Luther conservative in any ways regarding Mass?
Yes, he left aspects of the service in place.
Did all Lutheran Churches have the same beliefs about Mass and Consubstantiation?
No, Lutheran Churches differed in their interpretation of the mass and how far they supported Luther’s ‘Consubstantiation’.
MARBURY COLLOQUAY- ADD LATER?
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Why were the Catechisms written in 1529?
They were written by Luther as a response to the investigation into Saxony Churches-carried out by the new Elector of Saxony ‘John the Steadfast’ (converted to L reform).
What was the aim of the Saxony Church investiagations?
To check how closely local priests were following and understanding Luther’s theology.
What was the impact of the Saxony Church investigations?
The level of ignorance and differences in levels of understanding of the scriptures shocked Luther and the Elector. It revealed Luther’s teaching had not penetrated all areas of Saxony (and many other parts of Germany).
