Medieval marriages were multifaceted. In canon law marriage focused more on consent and autonomy than rules. Laws of marriage were not always followed, and different types of marriage could be experimented with. Weddings were often just as much social and opulent events as they were about the couple. Mock youth groups could prepare themselves for... Continue Reading →
How Martin Luther Reconceptualizes Authority in Two of His Tracts
In 1520, Martin Luther published two tracts central to the Protestant Reformation: To the Christian Nobility in August, and The Freedom of a Christian in November. The former text appealed to the German political authorities to take the initiative in the face of the Church which he saw as corrupt, while the latter has him... Continue Reading →
The Factors Explaining Lutheranism’s Success
One of the most important books on the Reformation is Brand Luther, written by historian Andrew Pettegree. It explores how Martin Luther became the pre-eminent and defining man of his age and how he was able to spread his version of the Christian religion, paying special attention to the role of printing. This paper will... Continue Reading →