How did Luther feel about the Peasants' Revolt?

How did Luther feel about the Peasants' Revolt?

• A. He respected social order and urged that the peasants be killed
• B. He supported the peasants' revolt
• C. He remained neutral and did not interfere
• D. He fled and sought asylum elsewhere

Answer: (A)

The question tests understanding of how Martin Luther viewed rebellion in the context of his reform efforts. Luther believed that maintaining social and political order was essential, even as he critiqued church practices. He argued that civil authorities had the duty to suppress unlawful rebellion and restore peace. In his tract Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants (1525), he urged rulers to crush the revolt and warned that failure to act would invite further chaos, effectively endorsing harsh measures against the rebels and supporting the use of force, including killing leaders, to restore order. This stance shows his priority on obedience to lawful authority and the stability of society over supporting the peasants’ uprising. He did not support the revolt, he did not remain neutral, and he did not flee; instead, he aligned with secular authority to suppress the rebellion.

The question tests understanding of how Martin Luther viewed rebellion in the context of his reform efforts. Luther believed that maintaining social and political order was essential, even as he critiqued church practices. He argued that civil authorities had the duty to suppress unlawful rebellion and restore peace. In his tract Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants (1525), he urged rulers to crush the revolt and warned that failure to act would invite further chaos, effectively endorsing harsh measures against the rebels and supporting the use of force, including killing leaders, to restore order. This stance shows his priority on obedience to lawful authority and the stability of society over supporting the peasants’ uprising.

He did not support the revolt, he did not remain neutral, and he did not flee; instead, he aligned with secular authority to suppress the rebellion.