Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Luther’s attitude to religious and political radicalism: views on the…
Full specification wording
The development of Lutheranism, 1521–46: Luther’s attitude to religious and political radicalism: views on the Radical Reformation by Carlstadt and the Zwickau prophets in Wittenberg, his lack of support for the revolt of the Imperial Knights; the reasons for, and consequences of, his denunciation of the Peasants’ War 1525; the effect of Luther’s political conservatism on the German princes.
Luther opposed religious and political radicalism.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Luther opposed religious and political radicalism. In Wittenberg, Carlstadt and the Zwickau prophets pushed iconoclasm and claims of direct revelation; Luther returned from Wartburg in 1522 and preached against them, restoring order and insisting on scripture and gradual reform. He also rejected the revolt of the Imperial Knights, including Franz von Sickingen's campaign, because it used violence against lawful authority. When the Peasants' War broke out in 1525, Luther first urged moderation but then wrote 'Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants', denouncing the rebels because they mixed the gospel with social rebellion. The consequences were severe: many peasants felt betrayed, yet Lutheran teaching became more acceptable to German princes, who valued Luther's stress on obedience to secular authority.
What earns the marks
- Explains Luther's opposition to Carlstadt and the Zwickau prophets in Wittenberg, including his return in 1522 and his insistence on scripture and orderly reform.
- Explains why Luther refused to support the revolt of the Imperial Knights, rejecting violence against established authority.
- Analyses the reasons for Luther's denunciation of the Peasants' War in 1525, including his distinction between spiritual freedom and social rebellion.
- Assesses the consequences of that denunciation: peasant alienation and increased princely receptiveness to Lutheranism.
- Evaluates how Luther's political conservatism shaped the alliance between Lutheran reform and German princes.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming Luther supported all challenges to Rome.
Put it right: He opposed radical reformers and violent revolt.
Treating the Peasants' War denunciation as his first response.
Put it right: He initially urged moderation before writing against the rebels.
Confusing Carlstadt with the Zwickau prophets.
Put it right: Carlstadt was a colleague at Wittenberg, while the Zwickau prophets claimed direct inspiration.
Exam tips
- Distinguish religious radicalism from political radicalism when explaining Luther's responses.
- Support points with named figures and events such as Carlstadt, the Zwickau prophets and the Peasants' War.
- Connect Luther's conservatism to the political protection he received from princes.
Try the lesson
The start of the The development of Lutheranism, 1521–46: Luther’s attitude to religious and political radicalism: views on the Radical Reformation by Carlstadt and the Zwickau prophets in Wittenberg, his lack of support for the revolt of the Imperial Knights; the reasons for, and consequences of, his denunciation of the Peasants’ War 1525; the effect of Luther’s political conservatism on the German princes. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
How did Luther respond to the radical reforms introduced in Wittenberg by Carlstadt and the Zwickau prophets?
Listen
Luther opposed religious and political radicalism. In Wittenberg, Carlstadt and the Zwickau prophets pushed iconoclasm and claims of direct revelation; Luther returned from Wartburg in 1522 and preached against them, restoring order and insisting on scripture and gradual reform. He also rejected the revolt of the Imperial Knights, including Franz von Sickingen's campaign, because it used violence against lawful authority. When the Peasants' War broke out in 1525, Luther first urged moderation but then wrote 'Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants', denouncing the rebels because they mixed the gospel with social rebellion. The consequences were severe: many peasants felt betrayed, yet Lutheran teaching became more acceptable to German princes, who valued Luther's stress on obedience to secular authority. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains Luther's opposition to Carlstadt and the Zwickau prophets in Wittenberg, including his return in 1522 and his insistence on scripture and orderly reform. Explains why Luther refused to support the revolt of the Imperial Knights, rejecting violence against established authority. Analyses the reasons for Luther's denunciation of the Peasants' War in 1525, including his distinction between spiritual freedom and social rebellion. Assesses the consequences of that denunciation: peasant alienation and increased princely receptiveness to Lutheranism. A common slip: Assuming Luther supported all challenges to Rome. Instead, he opposed radical reformers and violent revolt. Exam tip: Distinguish religious radicalism from political radicalism when explaining Luther's responses.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Religious radicalism and order
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Political authority and obedience
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Reformation and social revolt
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Princely alliances
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See every definition
- Religious radicalism and order
- Luther opposed the iconoclasm and claims of direct revelation pushed by Carlstadt and the Zwickau prophets, insisting on scripture and gradual reform to restore order.
- Political authority and obedience
- Luther rejected violence against lawful authority and stressed obedience to secular authority, which made his teaching more acceptable to German princes.
- Reformation and social revolt
- Luther denounced the rebels of the Peasants' War in 1525 because they mixed the gospel with social rebellion, though he first urged moderation.
- Princely alliances
- German princes valued Luther's stress on obedience to secular authority, so Lutheran teaching became more acceptable to them.
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