The Edict of Worms
This journal article provides a detailed historical account of Martin Luther's appearance before the Diet of Worms in 1521, where he courageously defended his theological writings against the Holy Roman Emperor and church authorities. The resource examines the pivotal moment when Luther refused to recant his teachings and instead appealed to Scripture and conscience, ultimately resulting in his condemnation by the Edict of Worms. This foundational event in Reformation history demonstrates the stakes involved in the early Protestant struggle for biblical authority against institutional church power.
Introduction On April 18, 1521, Martin Luther stood for the second day before the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms. There in that small town of Worms located in southwestern Germany by the Rhine River, with a population of about 7,000, an imperial diet had been convened that brought 10,000 visitors into town. At stake before the diet was the ultimate control and authority of Charles V and the peace of his empire, which was being threatened by Luther and his teachings....
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