In What Ways Did Luther Influence the Development of the Reformation After 1521?

In what ways did Luther influence the development of the Reformation after 1521?

After 1521 Luther began to influence the direction of the Reformation in other ways, primarily due to the Edict of Worms. There are many examples of Luther influencing the Reformation after 1521. Luther continuously preached to the German people, thus influencing them. Luther published pamphlets, therefore spreading his influence on the Reformation throughout Germany. He embarked on a social Reformation in Germany, concentrating particularly on the German family and its obligations. To this extent the Reformation can be seen to clearly develop under Luther after 1521. In the years that followed, Luther concentrated on spreading his beliefs through writings and sermons.

The situation after Worms hardly seemed favourable for positive reform. In order to shield Luther against violence, Frederick arranged Luther's Ð''kidnapping' and hid him in the castle of Wartburg. Luther, however, grasped the opportunity to begin the work of directly translating the New Testament into German. He finished his work in the autumn of 1522. The completed Luther Bible proved to be a tremendous force to the German people and therefore must be regarded as one of Luther's most valuable contributions to the Reformation. Its significance cannot be underestimated; the Bible is now accessible to all Germans, religion is for everybody. Luther also returned to Wittenberg in 1522. A large crowd gathered to hear him preach. He spoke for eight successive days against any kind of violence, stressing the need of love and patience. Luther recognized that change was necessary but gradually. He even agreed with some of Carlstadt' s changes- the opening of monasteries for example. But could not tolerate some of other activities and writings. He condemned the radical Reformation, Luther expelled Carlstadt from Saxony, and the preaching's of the Zwickau Prophets. He put a stop to iconoclasm, the destruction of altars and vestments were returned to worship. At a point where the Reformation could have veered a different and dangerous route to that of Luther's, he reinforces his influence on the Reformation. As he continued to preach, the barriers between priests and laymen were gradually being broken down. He promoted the right of every Christian to stand before God. Luther went on to attack the merciless practices of the churchmen and occasionally the oppression of the princes. He pitied the hard life of the peasants but importantly had no sympathy for those who wanted to stir up rebellion. Luther preferred to see change brought about by the Word of God alone, not by violence.

In 1525 the Peasants revolt broke out and Luther's resolve was thus tested again. He fervently condemned the peasants' actions. The peasants rebelled as they had gravely misinterpreted Luther. They believed that we are all equal due to the Priesthood of all Believers. Many peasants thought of Lutheranism in terms not of theology but of godly rebellion. Their grievances against their lords had reached such intensity, that when rebellion came it would be devastating. Yet Luther made it clear that the Reformation needed secular authority and it was not about equality, " A man can be a slave but can still have Christian liberty." He had preached only spiritual equality and in an attempt to halt the revolt published his "Friendly Criticism of the Twelve Articles of Memmingen." Luther can be seen here to be using his influence to stop an event directly threatening the Reformation. His action in 1525 determines the future of the Reformation.

Spreading reform to the parishes formed an essential part of Luther's Reformation. Luther, in his time at Wartburg, had given much thought to the sphere of worship. As in relation to the scripture, Luther aimed to make the services understandable. The spiritual and theological reformation formed the heart of the matter for him. Thus he began to translate the Mass into German. In 1526 he published his work. The Mass was now for everyone, not just between the priests and God. It thus became a communal act of worship. Luther also clearly saw the need for education and he thus issued an appeal for Christian schools in 1524 and he worked with Melanchthon on plans for popular education. Spiritual as well as secular instruction was needed to reedy the ignorance prevalent in Luther's time. To help pastors provide this, Luther composed a large Catechism in 1528 and then a smaller Catechism in 1529. Luther saw a need for these catechisms. Much of the populace was illiterate, including the clergy. The people needed to be educated and Luther saw that education be given to the young as well as the old. Luther wanted the catechism to teach children. Luther gave a simple exposition of the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments and others. Luther is explaining the teachings of the Church, whilst using his influence to push social reforms, such as the reform of the Universities. This work can be seen as Luther's social teaching within the Reformation.

In 1529 Luther met with Zwingli at Marburg. The two men were agreed on many religious