Chapter 11:
Protest of the Princes
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. Psalm 119:45-46
Introduction
The scene re-opens in Germany. The fight for freedom of conscience continues. The princes of Germany are rallied together through the writings of Martin Luther and prepare to stand against the Holy Roman emperor. Will they crumble under the coercion and threats of the emperor or will they stand firm in faith in God's word?
What are the elements of this chapter?
Event: DIET OF SPEYER, 1526
Religious liberty granted in Germany leading to temporary peace.
Event: DIET OF SPEYER, 1529
Emperor Charles V calls for a second Diet in order to:
Deal with Ottoman Empire attacking Vienna
Crush heresy
Censure Protestantism (anti proselytizing)
The Holy Roman princes were ordered to obey the censure or be excommunicated. They instead reject the decree.
Martin Luther was not present.
People: FERDINAND I (1503-1564)
King of Hungary, Bohemia, and Croatia and brother to Charles V Holy Roman Emperor
Presided over the 2nd Diet of Speyer.
Concept: LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE
Freedom to worship according to the dictates of your conscience.
It is the freedom to teach the word of God without interference from priests or magistrates which is the very essence of Protestantism. (Galatians 5:13, Psalm 119: 44-46)
Event: DIET OF AUGSBURG, 1530
German princes appear before Emperor Charles V to present The Augsburg Confession of faith to the emperor.
The Augsburg Confession is a twenty-eight articles of faith written by Philip Melancthon with four complaints against the papacy. It proposed separation of church and state in matters of conscience.
Accepted and translated as a confession of faith for millions of faithful Christians.
Leads to the Peace of Augsburg in 1555 which grants Lutheranism official status in the Holy Roman Empire.
What does this have to do with me today?
Are you willing to stand up for what you believe in no matter the cost?
Are you willing to stand up for someone else’s feelings or for the truth?
What does that mean to have resolve?