Martin Luther, Ermahnung zum Frieden, Augsburg 1525 (Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Res/4 Th.u. 103,VII,18)

The Peasants’ War marked a deep cut for the Reformation and in the life of Martin Luther (1483–1546). He reacted to the upheavals and to the violence of the rural and, in some cases, urban population with relentless journalistic rigour.

The “Ermahnung zum Frieden” (Admonition for Peace), Luther’s first text on the conflict, however, was still partially marked by understanding for the cause of the insurgents. He was not yet informed of violent clashes at the time of writing.

Luther wrote the booklet at the end of April 1525 in response to the “Twelve Articles” which the Upper Swabian peasant lots had composed in March 1525. They had asked him to evaluate their demands. Here, a 1525 edition printed by Philip Ulhart (d. 1567) in Augsburg is shown.

In the treatise, Luther argues in a very even-handed way. He acknowledges the social hardship of the peasants and of the other sections of the population concerned and calls on the princes, lords and spiritual prelates to remedy abuses. For example, the territorial lords should reduce the enormous burdens that peasants have to bear.

Luther, on the other hand, condemns uprisings and the use of violence as a means of protest. He harshly criticises the insurgents for referring to divine law. For him, the conflict is a secular and therefore not a Christian matter. In his opinion, the Gospel can only be cited for ecclesiastical purposes. The believer exclusively acquires Christian freedom, whereas secular freedom is to be strictly separated from faith and religion. In order to preserve peace, Luther proposes arbitration by the city patriciate and councillors.

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