Augsburg is one of the three oldest cities in Germany. It was founded by the Romans as a center of trade in 15 BCE. It is named for Caesar Augustus (Augs) and for the mountains (burg). There are Roman Ruins in the St. Peter’s Church (but I could not find them in there).
Three very important Reformation events took place in Augsburg. The first took place in 1518, not long after Luther posted his 95 Theses. He met with a representative of Pope Leo X named Cajetan. According to the Luther movie, all he was supposed to do was recant, which of course he refused to do. Cajetan would have preferred to have arrested Luther on the spot, but as he was protected by the Emperor, he could not. Fortunately Luther had the opportunity to escape in the night, which probably saved his life.
The second event was the Confession of Augsburg, which took place in 1530. Phillip Melanchthon and several representatives met with Charles V to explain their beliefs. It was far too dangerous for Luther to attend this meeting himself so he stayed in Coberg. In fact, Luther was against the whole idea; he thought it would be a waste of time. As it turned out, he was right. Charles V refused to hear what the “Lutherans” had to say and asked them to recant or face the Imperial Army (Vatican soldiers). They did neither but returned to Coberg and Melanchton wrote what is now called The Smalcald Articles.
1555 was perhaps the most important event of the three and is known as The Peace of Augsburg. This took place 9 years after Luther’s death, which is sad that he did not get to see this day and the ultimate fruit of his labors. Once again, the Electoral Princes met with Charles V to explain their ideas and to ask for religious freedom. And once again, Charles V was ready to refuse. But this time, the Princes all stood up to him and Charles was forced to grant religious freedom to the Princes. From that day forward, each Prince could determine whether his province would be Catholic or Protestant (Lutheran).
Another famous Lutheran from Augsburg is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Although he was born in Vienna, Mozart’s father married a woman from Augsburg and they spent a few years there before moving back to Vienna.
We overnight in Mannheim tonight and then head to the airport in Frankfurt tomorrow. My group flies out and Ken flies in! Hooray!
Three very important Reformation events took place in Augsburg. The first took place in 1518, not long after Luther posted his 95 Theses. He met with a representative of Pope Leo X named Cajetan. According to the Luther movie, all he was supposed to do was recant, which of course he refused to do. Cajetan would have preferred to have arrested Luther on the spot, but as he was protected by the Emperor, he could not. Fortunately Luther had the opportunity to escape in the night, which probably saved his life.
The second event was the Confession of Augsburg, which took place in 1530. Phillip Melanchthon and several representatives met with Charles V to explain their beliefs. It was far too dangerous for Luther to attend this meeting himself so he stayed in Coberg. In fact, Luther was against the whole idea; he thought it would be a waste of time. As it turned out, he was right. Charles V refused to hear what the “Lutherans” had to say and asked them to recant or face the Imperial Army (Vatican soldiers). They did neither but returned to Coberg and Melanchton wrote what is now called The Smalcald Articles.
1555 was perhaps the most important event of the three and is known as The Peace of Augsburg. This took place 9 years after Luther’s death, which is sad that he did not get to see this day and the ultimate fruit of his labors. Once again, the Electoral Princes met with Charles V to explain their ideas and to ask for religious freedom. And once again, Charles V was ready to refuse. But this time, the Princes all stood up to him and Charles was forced to grant religious freedom to the Princes. From that day forward, each Prince could determine whether his province would be Catholic or Protestant (Lutheran).
Another famous Lutheran from Augsburg is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Although he was born in Vienna, Mozart’s father married a woman from Augsburg and they spent a few years there before moving back to Vienna.
We overnight in Mannheim tonight and then head to the airport in Frankfurt tomorrow. My group flies out and Ken flies in! Hooray!
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