Holy Roman Empire at the Time of the Golden Bull (1356)  By Cameron Pauley – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79672095 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Golden_Bull_of_1356.png/751px-Golden_Bull_of_1356.png It is January 12, 1519, and Holy Roman Emperor, Maximillian I has died.  The Luther question is put on the back burner while the powers that be jockey for position to select a new emperor.  Before we delve into the selection and election of a new emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (HRE), this episode will be a lightning round of information about the Holy Roman Empire itself.  It encapsulates information presented way back in episodes 3,4,5, &amp; 6.   Happy Listening!

Holy Roman Empire at the Time of the Golden Bull (1356) By Cameron Pauley – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79672095" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79672095</a> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Golden_Bull_of_1356.png/751px-Golden_Bull_of_1356.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Golden_Bull_of_1356.png/751px-Golden_Bull_of_1356.png</a> It is January 12, 1519, and Holy Roman Emperor, Maximillian I has died.  The Luther question is put on the back burner while the powers that be jockey for position to select a new emperor.  Before we delve into the selection and election of a new emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (HRE), this episode will be a lightning round of information about the Holy Roman Empire itself.  It encapsulates information presented way back in episodes 3,4,5, &amp; 6.   Happy Listening!

Episode 37: The Holy Roman Empire:          The             Lightning Round

Frederick The Wise, Elector Of Saxony  (1524) by Albrecht Durer  After the blow-up in Augsburg and Luther’s refusal to recant, and his subsequent escape, Cardinal Cajetan and Pope Leo X are demanding Luther be sent to Rome.  Frederick the Wise has a problem on his hands, how to solve the “Luther Affair?”

Frederick The Wise, Elector Of Saxony (1524) by Albrecht Durer After the blow-up in Augsburg and Luther’s refusal to recant, and his subsequent escape, Cardinal Cajetan and Pope Leo X are demanding Luther be sent to Rome.  Frederick the Wise has a problem on his hands, how to solve the “Luther Affair?”

Episode 36: Should I Stay or Should I Go

The Arrival of Philipp Melanchthon  Enter stage left a new character at the dawn of the Reformation: the new professor of Greek at the University in Wittenberg: Philipp Schwartzerdt aka Philipp Melanchthon.

The Arrival of Philipp Melanchthon <a href="http://www.martinlutherpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Melanchthon.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Enter stage left a new character at the dawn of the Reformation: the new professor of Greek at the University in Wittenberg: Philipp Schwartzerdt aka Philipp Melanchthon.

Episode 35: The Dark Earth

On this episode, Martin Luther is “invited” to a special meeting in Augsburg in October of 1518 with Cardinal Cajetan.  Can you say, recant?  

On this episode, Martin Luther is “invited” to a special meeting in Augsburg in October of 1518 with Cardinal Cajetan.  Can you say, recant?

Episode 34: An Augsburg Appointment

We pick up the story after the Heidelberg Disputation, and discuss the relationship between Martin Luther and Johannes Eck, and Eck’s criticism of the 95 Theses.  Cardinal Cajetan enters the narrative, as we set the scene for Luther’s  upcoming trial at Augsburg.  Happy Listening! Johannes EckCardinal Cajetan

We pick up the story after the Heidelberg Disputation, and discuss the relationship between Martin Luther and Johannes Eck, and Eck’s criticism of the 95 Theses.  Cardinal Cajetan enters the narrative, as we set the scene for Luther’s  upcoming trial at Augsburg.  Happy Listening! <a href="http://www.martinlutherpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/440px-Johannes-Eck.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Johannes Eck <a href="http://www.martinlutherpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cajetan.jpeg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Cardinal Cajetan

Episode 33: What the Eck?

The Crucifixion (1532) by Lucas Cranach the ElderWow:  Finally a new episode!  In this episode, we explore Martin Luther’s Sermon on Indulgences and Grace and the Heidelberg Disputation.  Happy Listening!

The Crucifixion (1532) by Lucas Cranach the Elder Wow:  Finally a new episode!  In this episode, we explore Martin Luther’s Sermon on Indulgences and Grace and the Heidelberg Disputation.  Happy Listening!

Episode 32: A Year Like No Other

DanteChaucerJan Hus This is a rather eclectic episode, digging into literacy and communication methods in the late Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation.  The move from Latin to writing in the vernacular.  We’ll also discuss the tortured history of heretics, especially Jan Hus, and whether reformers like Martin Luther had a reason to be a little fearful. Happy Listening!

Dante Chaucer Jan Hus This is a rather eclectic episode, digging into literacy and communication methods in the late Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation.  The move from Latin to writing in the vernacular.  We’ll also discuss the tortured history of heretics, especially Jan Hus, and whether reformers like Martin Luther had a reason to be a little fearful. Happy Listening!

Episode 31: Reading, Writing & Heretics!

Leo X, Archbishop of Mainz and Johann Tetzel respond to the 95 ThesesLeo XArchbishop of Mainz, aka Albrecht of BrandenburgJohann Tetzel

Leo X, Archbishop of Mainz and Johann Tetzel respond to the 95 ThesesLeo X Archbishop of Mainz, aka Albrecht of Brandenburg Johann Tetzel

Episode 30:  The Empire Strikes Back…Well, Kind’a Pushes Back

Postman

Based on where we are in the story of Martin Luther, this is essentially the beginning of “Book II” in the telling of The Life nd Times of Martin Luther.   In this episode we meet three friends of Martin Luther: Johannes Lang, Georg Spalatin and Christopher Scheurl.  Each likely had an impact on the how and where the word of the 95 Theses would spread.      Unfortunately, no painting/or sketch of Johannes Lang is available    Georg Spalatin    Christopher Scheurl

Based on where we are in the story of Martin Luther, this is essentially the beginning of “Book II” in the telling of The Life nd Times of Martin Luther.   In this episode we meet three friends of Martin Luther: Johannes Lang, Georg Spalatin and Christopher Scheurl.  Each likely had an impact on the how and where the word of the 95 Theses would spread.   Unfortunately, no painting/or sketch of Johannes Lang is available Georg Spalatin Christopher Scheurl

Episode 29: The Postman Always Rings Thrice? The 95 Theses Hits the Road

1517 Printing of the 95 ThesesLuther posts the 95 Theses!  In the program up to date, we have delved into Martin Luther’s life up to now. We have looked at the history of the Holy Roman Empire, and also a history of the Papacy; each of those topics until this moment on October 31, 1517.  Now the 95 Theses are in play, and the reaction to it will ignite the Reformation movement.  

1517 Printing of the 95 Theses Luther posts the 95 Theses!  In the program up to date, we have delved into Martin Luther’s life up to now. We have looked at the history of the Holy Roman Empire, and also a history of the Papacy; each of those topics until this moment on October 31, 1517.  Now the 95 Theses are in play, and the reaction to it will ignite the Reformation movement.

Episode 28: If I had a Hammer: The Posting of the 95 Theses

This show details the life of Martin Luther, the events of the Reformation, including the inventions, events and personalities of the Reformation and the 15th and 16th centuries (1400 AD/ CE through 1600 AD/CE).

Great series.  Well researched and full of back round details to keep the story in perspective.

Excellent Presentations

Just started listening.  I find the detail and history very well written.

Very Good

The Life and Times of Martin Luther

Hello!  Sorry it took a bit longer to get this one out.  But here it is: Episode 3: The Holy Roman Empire (Part 1) In this episode we leave Martin Luther after his birth in 1483, and go back to the fall of the Roman Empire in the West, the rise of the Frankish Kings, culminating with the coronation of Charlemagne, the father of Europe. Hope you enjoy, and please feel free to email me with any comments at: steve@martinlutherpodcast.com, or leave a comment here. Thanks for listening!

Hello!  Sorry it took a bit longer to get this one out.  But here it is: Episode 3: The Holy Roman Empire (Part 1) In this episode we leave Martin Luther after his birth in 1483, and go back to the fall of the Roman Empire in the West, the rise of the Frankish Kings, culminating with the coronation of Charlemagne, the father of Europe. Hope you enjoy, and please feel free to email me with any comments at: steve@martinlutherpodcast.com, or leave a comment here. Thanks for listening!

Episode 3: The Holy Roman Empire (Part 1)

EPISODE 4 IS HERE!! This time we’ll pick up with the sunset of Charlemagne’s reign, the demise of Carolingian dynasty and the rise of several other dynastic families, including Otto “The Great” who is crowned Holy Roman Emperor.  Later, there is increasing tension between  civil authority and the papacy,  which sets off the “Investiture Controversy” between Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII. Thanks for downloading and listening!!

EPISODE 4 IS HERE!! This time we’ll pick up with the sunset of Charlemagne’s reign, the demise of Carolingian dynasty and the rise of several other dynastic families, including Otto “The Great” who is crowned Holy Roman Emperor.  Later, there is increasing tension between  civil authority and the papacy,  which sets off the “Investiture Controversy” between Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII. Thanks for downloading and listening!!

Episode 4: The Holy Roman Empire (Part 2)

On this episode, we’ll finish our survey of the Holy Roman Empire, taking us to the time of Luther. This will include the formalization of the Prince Electors, and then the rise of the final dynasty of the Empire, and the dynasty with the most longevity, the Habsburgs.   The episode ends with the death of Maximilian I in 1519. Thanks for downloading; Happy Listening!!

On this episode, we’ll finish our survey of the Holy Roman Empire, taking us to the time of Luther. This will include the formalization of the Prince Electors, and then the rise of the final dynasty of the Empire, and the dynasty with the most longevity, the Habsburgs.   The episode ends with the death of Maximilian I in 1519. Thanks for downloading; Happy Listening!!

Episode 5: The Holy Roman Empire (Part 3)

 Albrecht of Brandeburg                                  Leo X                                       Jakob Fugger   In Episode 27, we look at the penance process, the role of indulgences, and the secret deal wrought by an aggressively ambitious archbishop, a corrupt pope and the wealthiest man of the era.  This backroom deal  led to the indulgences Martin Luther challenged in the 95 Theses.

Albrecht of Brandeburg                                  Leo X                                       Jakob Fugger <h4>In Episode 27, we look at the penance process, the role of indulgences, and the secret deal wrought by an aggressively ambitious archbishop, a corrupt pope and the wealthiest man of the era.  This backroom deal  led to the indulgences Martin Luther challenged in the 95 Theses.</h4>

Episode 27:  The Indulgence Game

As we approach the posting of the 95 Theses in Luther’s story, it seems like a good idea to learn about the institution of the papacy itself.  This first part details the history of the beginning of the papacy, starting with the tradition that St. Peter was the first Bishop of Rome, and how we get from there in a straight line to what has been one of the oldest, if not the oldest continual institution in recorded history. Happy Listening!

As we approach the posting of the 95 Theses in Luther’s story, it seems like a good idea to learn about the institution of the papacy itself.  This first part details the history of the beginning of the papacy, starting with the tradition that St. Peter was the first Bishop of Rome, and how we get from there in a straight line to what has been one of the oldest, if not the oldest continual institution in recorded history. Happy Listening!

Episode 20: Oh My Papa…The History of the Papacy Part 1

Saints &amp; Sinners: This time, we mop things up relative to Augustine, delving into his two major rhetorical and actual fights with the Donatists and the Pelagians. Augustine explores free will, predestination, and the nature of sin.  We then pivot to monastic life, and a brief history of the Augustinian Order.  Along the way there are the Christian persecutions from earlier during the Roman Empire’s Crisis during the Third Century, The Cyprian Plague, and a host of sinners and saints. In the end, we are left with the question, were you predestined to download this program, or was it your free will?!?!  You decide! Happy listening!

Saints &amp; Sinners: This time, we mop things up relative to Augustine, delving into his two major rhetorical and actual fights with the Donatists and the Pelagians. Augustine explores free will, predestination, and the nature of sin.  We then pivot to monastic life, and a brief history of the Augustinian Order.  Along the way there are the Christian persecutions from earlier during the Roman Empire’s Crisis during the Third Century, The Cyprian Plague, and a host of sinners and saints. In the end, we are left with the question, were you predestined to download this program, or was it your free will?!?!  You decide! Happy listening!

Episode 15: Saints and Sinners: Augustine, the Wrap-up

Martin Luther takes a road trip to Rome, the Eternal City. He goes with high hopes, and leaves with a dose of realism.  Along the way, we discuss the legendary history of the founding of Rome by Romulus, the forgiveness of sins through indulgences, and climbing the true highway to heaven, the Scala Sancta. Happy Listening!

Martin Luther takes a road trip to Rome, the Eternal City. He goes with high hopes, and leaves with a dose of realism.  Along the way, we discuss the legendary history of the founding of Rome by Romulus, the forgiveness of sins through indulgences, and climbing the true highway to heaven, the Scala Sancta. Happy Listening!

Episode 18: Next Stop—-The Eternal City

Augustine of Hippo

Episode 13: From Conversion to Confession, Augustine of Hippo Pt. 2  In this episode we follow Augustine of Hippo beginning his teaching career, his rising to prominence in Milan, to his conversion to Christianity.  And along the way he meets Bishop Ambrose of Milan.  Happy Listening!!

Episode 13: From Conversion to Confession, Augustine of Hippo Pt. 2  In this episode we follow Augustine of Hippo beginning his teaching career, his rising to prominence in Milan, to his conversion to Christianity.  And along the way he meets Bishop Ambrose of Milan.  Happy Listening!!

Episode 13 From Conversion to Confession; Augustine of Hippo Part 2

Episode 10: Luther at a Crossroads-Mortality in the Middle Ages. We look at the Middle Ages, The Black Death (The Plague), and mortality in the Middle Ages.

Episode 10: Luther at a Crossroads-Mortality in the Middle Ages. We look at the Middle Ages, The Black Death (The Plague), and mortality in the Middle Ages.

Episode 10: Luther at a Crossroads: Mortality in the Middle Ages

Episode 6: Saxony  This time we turn to Saxony, the place of Martin Luther’s birth.  This episode delves into an understanding of the who, the where and the what of Saxons and Saxony.  We meet Saxon leaders: Widukind, Henry the Fowler and Frederick  the Wise. THANKS to you all!  The show has been featured in iTunes “New &amp; Noteworthy” for history podcasts!  Please leave ratings, reviews and sign up to subscribe; it all helps others find the show. PLUS:  Sign up for the free newsletter at the website: www.martinlutherpodcast.com to be part of building a community around the program.

Episode 6: Saxony This time we turn to Saxony, the place of Martin Luther’s birth.  This episode delves into an understanding of the who, the where and the what of Saxons and Saxony.  We meet Saxon leaders: Widukind, Henry the Fowler and Frederick  the Wise. THANKS to you all!  The show has been featured in iTunes “New &amp; Noteworthy” for history podcasts!  Please leave ratings, reviews and sign up to subscribe; it all helps others find the show. PLUS:  Sign up for the free newsletter at the website: <a href="http://www.martinlutherpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.martinlutherpodcast.com</a> to be part of building a community around the program.

Episode 6: Saxony

Episode 7! On this program, we begin discussing the what we know about Luther’s early days.  As before, there are some facts we know, a fair amount conjecture, and frankly a whole lot of myth.  This early life has been the debate of various biographers through the centuries.  There have been quite a bit of early missteps, which have gotten replicated over and over again, and as such, it is sort of like the “phone game” with bad facts.  Essentially, the data was wrong to begin with, and this bad fact got repeated over and over again, until some wrong facts became the staple of some of these earnest biographers.  Then there is a trend in the 20th century to psychoanalyze Luther on the therapists’ couch from 400+ years away and without being able to interview the patient. At first, some of the errant stories are strung together to generate an alternative history.  Then we rewind, and discuss what is known about the real history, and then discuss the viability of the psychoanalysis so far from the time and without a great deal of the actual facts. Please remember to go to the website: www.martinlutherpodcast.com and sign up for the free newsletter! Happy listening!

Episode 7! On this program, we begin discussing the what we know about Luther’s early days.  As before, there are some facts we know, a fair amount conjecture, and frankly a whole lot of myth.  This early life has been the debate of various biographers through the centuries.  There have been quite a bit of early missteps, which have gotten replicated over and over again, and as such, it is sort of like the “phone game” with bad facts.  Essentially, the data was wrong to begin with, and this bad fact got repeated over and over again, until some wrong facts became the staple of some of these earnest biographers.  Then there is a trend in the 20th century to psychoanalyze Luther on the therapists’ couch from 400+ years away and without being able to interview the patient. At first, some of the errant stories are strung together to generate an alternative history.  Then we rewind, and discuss what is known about the real history, and then discuss the viability of the psychoanalysis so far from the time and without a great deal of the actual facts. Please remember to go to the website: <a href="http://www.martinlutherpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.martinlutherpodcast.com</a> and sign up for the free newsletter! Happy listening!

Episode 7: The Early Years-Alternative vs. Real History

Episode 12: Augustine of Hippo, Part 1 This time explore the namesake of the Augustinian Order, Augustine of Hippo. From his birth to his first time in Carthage, as he begins searching for wisdom.  On the way, we meet Monica, his devout Christian mother.  His life and scholarship had a profound effect on the Church, and his philosophies and writings are part of the story of the Reformation, over 1,000 years after his death to the time Luther posts the 95 Theses.   Happy Listening!!

Episode 12: Augustine of Hippo, Part 1 This time explore the namesake of the Augustinian Order, Augustine of Hippo. From his birth to his first time in Carthage, as he begins searching for wisdom.  On the way, we meet Monica, his devout Christian mother.  His life and scholarship had a profound effect on the Church, and his philosophies and writings are part of the story of the Reformation, over 1,000 years after his death to the time Luther posts the 95 Theses. Happy Listening!!

Episode 12: Give Me Chastity … Just Not Yet!    Augustine of Hippo Part 1

Meanwhile, Back in Erfurt… In this episode we are pivoting from Augustine, back to Martin Luther. There is a bit more history about the Augustinians in Erfurt, and then inner conflict in the Augustinian Order between the observant and conventual friars.  We are introduced to Martin’s mentor, Johannes von Staupitz, as Luther begins his studies on the way to receiving a doctorate in Theology. Happy Listening!

Meanwhile, Back in Erfurt… In this episode we are pivoting from Augustine, back to Martin Luther. There is a bit more history about the Augustinians in Erfurt, and then inner conflict in the Augustinian Order between the observant and conventual friars.  We are introduced to Martin’s mentor, Johannes von Staupitz, as Luther begins his studies on the way to receiving a doctorate in Theology. Happy Listening!

Episode 16: Meanwhile, Back in Erfurt…

Episode 9 is here! In this program we look at the methods of learning and the study of theology Luther would have been exposed to during his time at the University of Erfurt while working toward his Bachelors and Masters degrees.   Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Scholasticism, Nominalism and Humanism.  All parts of the university experience at the time.

Episode 9 is here! In this program we look at the methods of learning and the study of theology Luther would have been exposed to during his time at the University of Erfurt while working toward his Bachelors and Masters degrees.   Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Scholasticism, Nominalism and Humanism.  All parts of the university experience at the time.

Episode 9: Between Reason and Faith

This time we will delve into Martin finishing his doctorate in theology, thereby earning the title Doctor Luther. Along the way, we’ll explore the continued angst Luther claimed to have experienced which will eventually lead to other crossroads, including eventually a breakthrough of theological thought. The more we discover about Martin, the more we see the crossroads clearly marked out, but for him at least, the destination of the route is unknown, unsure.

This time we will delve into Martin finishing his doctorate in theology, thereby earning the title Doctor Luther. Along the way, we’ll explore the continued angst Luther claimed to have experienced which will eventually lead to other crossroads, including eventually a breakthrough of theological thought.<a href="http://www.martinlutherpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Maring-Luther-Statue.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The more we discover about Martin, the more we see the crossroads clearly marked out, but for him at least, the destination of the route is unknown, unsure.

Episode 19: What’s Up Doc?

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