The Reformation and Lutheranism

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key figures, texts, theological concepts, political alliances, and conflicts of the Protestant Reformation based on the lecture transcript.

Jubilee Indulgence

A special indulgence issued by Pope Leo X in 1517 to finance the ongoing construction of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Johann Tetzel

A rambunctious Dominican who hawked indulgences in Germany with the slogan, "as soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from the purgatory springs."

95 Theses

A stunning indictment of the abuses in the sale of indulgences issued by Martin Luther in 1517.

Leipzig debate

An important turning point in July 1519 where Catholic theologian Johann Eck forced Luther to move beyond indulgences, deny the authority of popes and councils, and identified his ideas with John Hus.

Address to the Nobility of the German Nation

A political tract written in German in 1520 in which Luther called on German princes to overthrow the papacy in Germany and establish a reformed German church.

The Babylonian Captivity of the Church

A 1520 pamphlet written in Latin for theologians that attacked the sacramental system and called for monasticism reform and clergy marriage.

On the Freedom of a Christian Man

A short 1520 treatise on the doctrine of salvation stating that faith alone, not good works, justifies grace and brings salvation through Jesus.

Edict of Worms

An imperial decree issued by Emperor Charles V making Martin Luther an outlaw within the empire, ordering his works to be burned, and commanding his capture.

Wartburg Castle

The location where the Elector of Saxony sent Luther into hiding for nearly a year, during which Luther translated the New Testament into German.

Lazarus Blenker

The dynamic city secretary of Nuremberg who led an active city council to bring about conversion to Lutheranism as early as 1525.

Andreas Carlstadt

A reformer in Wittenberg who wished to initiate a more radical reform by abolishing all relics, images, and the mass.

Philip Malankton

A scholar who arrived in Wittenberg in 1518 at age 21 to teach Greek and Hebrew and became a staunch supporter of Luther.

Thomas Munster

A radical ex-follower of Luther and pastor who inflamed the peasants against their rulers during the Peasants' War.

Against the Robbing and Murdering Hordes of Peasants

A pamphlet written by Luther during the Peasants' War calling on German princes to "smite, slay, and stab" the peasantry.

Transubstantiation

The Catholic doctrine rejected by Luther teaching that the substance of the bread and wine is miraculously transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

Priesthood of All Believers

Luther's concept that a hierarchical priesthood is unnecessary because all Christians who follow the word of God are their own priests.

Katharina von Bora

A former nun who married Martin Luther in 1525, providing a model of married and family life for Protestant ministers.

Francis the first

The Valois king of France (ruled 1515–1547) who fought Emperor Charles V in the Habsburg-Valois Wars over disputed territories across Europe.

Suleiman the Magnificent

The Ottoman leader (ruled 1520–1566) whose forces defeated and killed King Louis of Hungary at the Battle of Mohacs in 1526.

Smilodiks lead League

A defensive alliance formed in February 1531 by 8 Lutheran princes and 11 imperial cities vowing to assist each other if attacked on account of the word of God.

Battle of Malburg

A 1547 battle during the Schmelodic Wars where Charles V's imperial forces decisively defeated the Lutherans.

Peace of Augsburg

A 1555 agreement formally acknowledging the division of Christianity, granting Lutheranism equal legal standing with Catholicism, and allowing each German ruler to determine the religion of his subjects.