The Political Function of Luther's Doctrina

Authors

James R. Preus, Harvard Divinity School

Publication Date

10-1-1972

Document Type

Article

Keywords

political, luther luther's doctrina, christian society, baptism, theology, ecclesiastical, reformers, anabaptists

Submission Type

Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep

Abstract

Theology is implicitly political; Luther’s career as theologian demonstrates this principle clearly. By attacking the papacy's doctrine, Luther attacked the framework of society in 16th-century Europe. The doctrine of faith had explosive political implications, and Luther found himself increasingly forced to place limits on the political conclusions drawn from his work by his followers, chiefly through his construction of the two-kingdoms teaching.

Disciplines

History of Christianity

Submission Cost

Free

Submission Audience

Laity; Ministers; Scholars

Recommended Citation

Preus, James R. (1972) "The Political Function of Luther's Doctrina," Concordia Theological Monthly: Vol. 43, Article 64.
Available at: https://scholar.csl.edu/ctm/vol43/iss1/64