The Schmalkaltic War

Outline:

A.  The forming of the Schmalkaltic League

B.  Attempts to find common ground among Catholics and Lutherans

C.  Lutheran demands:  The Schmalkaltic Articles

            1.  no papal control

            2.  all estates represented equally (universities!)

            3.  the Bible is the sole basis for decisions

            4.  council held on German soil

D.  Philip of Hesse has problems with bigamy  Bigamy is less serious than divorce…Tell         a good strong lie for the sake and good of the Christian Church.  - Luther

E.  The Schmalkaltic War and the Augsburg Interim and the Leipzig Interim

F.  The Peace of Augsburg

            1.  Lutheranism equal to Catholicism in Germany

            2.  cujus region, ejus religio

            3.  all lands taken by Lutherans before 1552 is kept

            4.  any “ecclesiastic prince” who switches now forfeits title and land.

Questions to Consider:

1.  How is it that a theological disagreement would evolve into armed conflict?

2.  In the end, was it realistic to believe that a common understanding could be found between Lutherans and Catholics in Germany – on theological issues?

3.  What were the circumstances preventing Emperor Charles V from acting decisively on the Lutheran question in Germany?

4.  How did the tiny district of Cleves come to be a threat to Charles V and how was Charles able to out maneuver his enemies, break apart the Schmalkaltic League and win the Battle of Muelberg?  What difference did it make?

5.  How does the constant turn-over of popes effect the Council of Trent?

6.  What is the importance of the Peace of Augsburg for Catholic-Lutheran relations?

Bibliography: 

Roland H. Bainton.  HERE I STAND:  A LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER .  New York:  New American Library.  1950.