Chapter 8:
Luther Before the Diet
“And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them…” Matthew 10:18
Introduction
The scene opens with Martin Luther in the throes of persecution. Because he does not take back his conviction of the validity of God's word, he is brought before the high and mighty men of the church. With the eyes of the church on him, Martin Luther prepares for not only the fight of his life but for the defense of God’s word.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Event: DIET OF WORMS (1521)
Luther is summoned to appear before the emperor and church officials to answer the charge of heresy. His entrance in Worms causes a stir among friend and foe alike.
The Last Friendly Welcome
Before entering the judgment hall, Luther was greeted by an old general who commended him for his bravery.
““Poor monk, poor monk, thou art now going to make a nobler stand than I or any other captains have ever made in the bloodiest of our battles. But if thy cause is just, and thou art sure of it, go forward in God’s name, and fear nothing. God will not forsake thee.””
People: EMPEROR CHARLES V (1500-1558)
Holy Roman Emperor
A devout Catholic who seeks Luther’s overthrow.
He nonetheless grants Luther a hearing and safe passage to the Diet and back home.
People: GEORGE THE BEARDED (1471-1539)
Duke of Saxony
He voices what many in attendance felt against the abuses of the church
GC 149.2
“These are some of the abuses that cry out against Rome. All shame has been put aside, and their only object is ... money, money, money, ... so that the preachers who should teach the truth, utter nothing but falsehoods, and are not only tolerated, but rewarded, because the greater their lies, the greater their gain. It is from this foul spring that such tainted waters flow... A general reform must be effected.”
Luther at the Diet
Luther is brought in front of the council but asks for more time to prepare a proper response. (Matthew 10:18-20; 10:33)
Luther, taken over by fear, his faith falters and he prays for strength. (GC 156.3)
Luther at the Diet
Luther is brought in the next day and is pressured to retract but calmly defends his writings and general position on what he believes. (GC 158.1-159.3)
“I cannot submit my faith either to the pope or to the councils, because it is clear as the day that they have frequently erred and contradicted each other. Unless therefore I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture or by the clearest reasoning, unless I am persuaded by means of the passages I have quoted, and unless they thus render my conscience bound by the word of God, I cannot and I will not retract, for it is unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand, I can do no other; may God help me. Amen.”
People: GIROLAMO ALEANDRO (1480-1542)
Papal legate
Also called Aleander, he was in charge of presenting the pope’s case against Luther to secure his condemnation.
Papal Tactics
The papal legate puts pressure on the emperor to condemn Luther to death along with Luther’s followers. They are threatened through academic bullying, ridicule, lies and slander.
(2 Timothy 3:12)
EDICT OF WORMS 1521
The papal legate threatens the emperor to stay in line with the church. Eventually an edict condemning Luther and his followers was written.
GC 167.3
Event: LUTHER IS KIDNAPPED
As Luther departs from Worms, He is taken by agents of Frederick III and secretly brought to Wartburg castle for safekeeping.
From Wartburg castle, Luther writes tracts that are circulated throughout the empire and translates Bible to German.
What does this have to do with me today?
How would I prepare to testify before Congress if my faith was being challenged?
Have I observed abuses of authority in the name of church policy in my church?
What would it take for me to stand up against policies contrary to the Word of God?