Martin Luther was highly educated, intelligent, courageous and had a clarity of writing style few have ever equaled. His translation of the New Testament standardized the German language for centuries. His treatises changed the world. The townspeople, outside the university, not only understood Martin, but championed him and his cause against all authorities, against all odds. Why take such risks over the ideas of some college prof? One answer is bound up in "horizons". Martin opened new, welcome and exciting horizons for the people of Germany. Did they know what Martin wrote, what his ideas were about? Yes, it seems they did. Martin said it all very well.

     Still the Peasants' War in part resulted from (intentional?) mis-understandings of Martin's simplest, clearest and most well-known treatises. And the peasants died by the thousands for it! In the treatise we are about to discuss, we will see a hint of how the Peasants' Revolt got started, how Luther could be ambiguous, how serious trouble could result.

       Specifically, we will try to untangle Luther's ideas about personal freedom -- we are the experts, are we not, on the topic of individual liberty -- U.S. citizens, 4th of July, fighting to save free democracies (and starting them) around the world, foe of tyrants ever, Spangled banners and liberty statues abounding?

     Linked here in Word format is Luther's treatise. I've cut it to about 40% of the original, but have left the link to the original in its full glory, if you would like to read it all. (The reason for the Word format is so that you can type notes (or use the 'comment feature) right into your own copy -- so handy when exams arrive....) For more primary sources, click here.

      The task? Start by sorting out Luther's apparent contradiction that he began with. Evaluate his method(s) of arguing his case throughout. Critique his reasonableness, and the lack thereof.  Calculate the power of his evidence. Assess his conclusions. Comment on the issues. Analyze his thought. In detail, get hold of the new Horizons Luther offered the people. What were the old ways that put the new into such sharp and welcome contrast? What promise did Luther hold out to the people?

      Luther started the Refomation by nailing 95 Theses to be debated on the Wittenburg Church door. If you click the door-note at the right, it will take you to an encyclopedia that asks: Did Luther mail the theses or pin the to the door? Mailed or Nailed?

      I remember once my wife & I were talking with the historian and theologian Jaroslav (Jerry) Pelikan:  In response to the controversy of whether Luther had actually nailed the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Church Door, or had mailed them to interested parties, Jerry said, "Nailed or mailed, Luther certainly posted them!"