Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants

Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants (1525) A tract written by Martin Luther (German title: Wider die räuberischen und mörderischen Rotten der Bauern) in May, 1525. At this time Luther's prince Frederick the Wise was fatally ill and refrained from putting down the peasant uprisings, hoping for a peaceful settlement. Luther saw the need to take the initiative of calling the civil authorities to action against the anarchy that appeared to be threatening law and order in Saxony and neighboring regions. Luther is criticized for the violent language he employed in this tract; however, in Luther's view the actions of the peasants were in direct violation of God's authority, making them instruments of the devil. The play Luther by John Osborne questions and explores the morality of this tract.

Related Topics:
Frederick the Wise - Luther - John Osborne - Morality

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