Luther's Attitude Toward Religious Toleration in Light of his Two Kingdom Doctrine

Richard Elseroad, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Abstract

The purpose of the treatise is not simply to list the inconsistencies or contradictions that may exist in Luther's attitudes toward religious toleration (though at times it will become important to come to grips with these variances). No, the real challenge and goal is to uncover Luther’s rationale, if possible, which determines his relations with those he opposes. In other words, it is the attempt to find that consistency or loyalty to principle that will clarify the all too apparent inconsistencies.