[RobbyS]

You underestimate Luther's gifts as a propogandist, his ability to mobilize the Germans. If Charles V had been a German, history would have taken a very different turn. Zwingli was small potatoes beside him. He was like but greater than either Wyclif or Hus. Luther had charisma to a degree unmatched by the other Reformers. I am reminded of St. Bernard of Clairvaux when I read about the influence he had over other men.

[drstevej]

***You underestimate Luther's gifts as a propogandist***

The Ninety Five theses were never intended for publication. They were written in Latin for academic disputation. They were translated and spread throughout Europe by people sympathetic to Luther, but it was hardly directed by Luther.

***If Charles V had been a German, history would have taken a very different turn. ***

Would Luther's execution have made Charles V a German? Your original point was that the burning of Luther would have spared Europe 100 years of war. Now you are saying that if Chas. V were German history would be different... If Thomas Munzer had had nuclear weapons we would be speaking German.

Luther was charismatic as a leader, but Zwingli and Calvin did not dance to his tune. Eck and Erasmus were not enamored with him. Luther's sucessor, Melancthon, lacked Luther's spine and leadership (although he was a brilliant theologian in his own right). Luther was strong among the Lutheran leaders and respected outside Germany. He was certainly no Pope.


Reform in Germany under a politic of Electors and princes was radically different than reform in the Swiss Cantons. The leadership of Calvin and Zwingli and Bullinger and Bucer was well suited to the cantons. Calvin in Germany or Luther in Geneva would have been a non-starter. God placed the right men in the right place. Men you would prefer to have been tried and fried.