Date of Award
5-1996
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. John R. Rilling
Second Advisor
Dr, Barbara A. Sella
Third Advisor
Dr. John D. Treadway
Abstract
When Martin Luther entered the monastery in 1505 as an Augustinian monk, he left the corrupted, inherently less-spiritual "world" for the religiously-oriented, celibate life in a cloister-the highest, most holy road one could take as a Christian. After a number of years he discovered that he was no more certain about his salvation or God's acceptance of him than the day he had become a monk. The only way to please God came through faith, which a farmer or housewife could have as equally as a monk or a nun. Therefore, he left the monastery to return to the world and championed the cause of the married "commoners," whom, he declared, were no less holy or pleasing to God than the thousands of monks, nuns, and priests who filled Europe's churches and cloisters. Luther accomplished this through his writings, his preachings, and especially his lifestyle as he married a former nun, Katherina von Bora, raised children, and managed a home.
Recommended Citation
Mayes, David C., "Practicing what he preached : how Martin Luther lived out his "universal priesthood of all believers"" (1996). Master's Theses. 731.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/masters-theses/731