The Life and Times of Martin Luther

**Episode 36: Should I Stay or Should I Go** May 31, 2021

Frederick The Wise, Elector Of Saxony (1524) by Albrecht Durer

After the blow-up in Augsburg and Luther’s refusal to recant, and his subsequent escape, Cardinal Cajetan and Pope Leo X are demanding Luther be sent to Rome. Frederick the Wise has a problem on his hands, how to solve the “Luther Affair?”

**Episode 35: The Dark Earth** Apr 26, 2021
**The Arrival of Philipp Melanchthon**

Enter stage left a new character at the dawn of the Reformation: the new professor of Greek at the University in Wittenberg: Philipp Schwartzerdt aka Philipp Melanchthon.

**Episode 34: An Augsburg Appointment** Feb 28, 2021

On this episode, Martin Luther is “invited” to a special meeting in Augsburg in October of 1518 with Cardinal Cajetan. Can you say, recant?

**Episode 33: What the Eck?** Jan 01, 2021
We pick up the story after the Heidelberg Disputation, and discuss the relationship between Martin Luther and Johannes Eck, and Eck’s criticism of the 95 Theses. Cardinal Cajetan enters the narrative, as we set the scene for Luther’s upcoming trial at Augsburg. Happy Listening!

Johannes Eck

Cardinal Cajetan

**Episode 32: A Year Like No Other** Nov 15, 2020
The Crucifixion (1532) by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Wow: Finally a new episode! In this episode, we explore Martin Luther’s Sermon on Indulgences and Grace and the Heidelberg Disputation. Happy Listening!

**Episode 31: Reading, Writing & Heretics!** Jan 28, 2020
Dante

Chaucer

Jan Hus

This is a rather eclectic episode, digging into literacy and communication methods in the late Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation. The move from Latin to writing in the vernacular. We’ll also discuss the tortured history of heretics, especially Jan Hus, and whether reformers like Martin Luther had a reason to be a little fearful.

Happy Listening!

**Episode 30: The Empire Strikes Back…Well, Kind’a Pushes Back** Nov 24, 2019
Leo X, Archbishop of Mainz and Johann Tetzel respond to the 95 Theses

Leo X

Archbishop of Mainz, aka Albrecht of Brandenburg

Johann Tetzel

**Episode 29: The Postman Always Rings Thrice? The 95 Theses Hits the Road** Aug 20, 2019
Based on where we are in the story of Martin Luther, this is essentially the beginning of “Book II” in the telling of The Life nd Times of Martin Luther.

In this episode we meet three friends of Martin Luther: Johannes Lang, Georg Spalatin and Christopher Scheurl. Each likely had an impact on the how and where the word of the 95 Theses would spread.

Unfortunately, no painting/or sketch of Johannes Lang is available

Georg Spalatin

Christopher Scheurl

**Episode 28: If I had a Hammer: The Posting of the 95 Theses** Mar 31, 2019
1517 Printing of the 95 Theses

Luther posts the 95 Theses! In the program up to date, we have delved into Martin Luther’s life up to now. We have looked at the history of the Holy Roman Empire, and also a history of the Papacy; each of those topics until this moment on October 31, 1517. Now the 95 Theses are in play, and the reaction to it will ignite the Reformation movement.

**Episode 27: The Indulgence Game** May 10, 2018

**Albrecht of Brandeburg Leo X Jakob Fugger**

In Episode 27, we look at the penance process, the role of indulgences, and the secret deal wrought by an aggressively ambitious archbishop, a corrupt pope and the wealthiest man of the era. This backroom deal led to the indulgences Martin Luther challenged in the 95 Theses.

**Episode 26: Breakthrough!** Jan 22, 2018

Cloaca Tower at the Wittenberg Monastery

No Way! Way! Finally, a New Episode!

My apologies that it has been too long between episodes. I explain a bit in the preface to the show.

With 1517 looming, we start to get more first person and contemporary accounts of Doctor Martin. In this episode, then, we start learning more about the real Martin Luther; more about the man himself. Then we look at his breakthrough in theology in the so-called “tower experience”, as we position to look at the 95 Theses in the next program.

Happy New Year & Happy Listening!!

The new “Studio”!

**Episode 25: The Augustinian Administrator** Oct 31, 2017

In this episode, we return to the life of Martin Luther, with a recap of where we have been in his life up to now, learn about the city of Wittenberg, and discuss Martin’s rise in the Augustinian order.

Today happens to be the **500th Anniversary of the Martin’s posting of the 95 Theses in Wittenberg. Happy Anniversary Martin!**

**Episode 24: Papa Don’t Preach; The History of the Papacy Part 5** Oct 04, 2017

Finally, the end of the survey of the Papacy! This time we look at the more notorious popes during the Renaissance. Sixtus IV, Innocent VIII, Alexander VI, Julius II, and Leo X. Spoiler alert for upcoming episodes: Leo will be the pope who eventually faces off with Luther.

Happy Listening!!

**Episode 23 Papa was a Rolling Stone, The History of the Papacy Part 4** Sep 30, 2017

On this episode we discuss the move of the Papacy to Avignon, and then the Great Papal Schism. These seismic events will have far reaching effects on to Papacy, and the rise of the Renaissance popes.

Happy Listening!

**Episode 22: The Monarchs and The Papas; the History of the Papacy Part 3** Aug 09, 2017
This time, we will look at some of the popes and events which shaped the papacy’s up and down status with monarchs throughout Europe. Old friends Charles “The Hammer”, Pepin the Short, Charlemagne, Otto the Great, and Henry IV are sometimes allies and sometimes foes of popes such as Hadrian I, Stephen II, Leo III and Gregory VII.

Happy Listening!

(The Donation of Constantine)

**Episode 21: Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag- The History of the Papacy Part 2** Jun 29, 2017
In this episode, we explore how the bishop of Rome came to speak for the catholic or universal church. Along the way we meet a few popes and a couple of barbarians.

Happy Listening!

**Episode 20: Oh My Papa…The History of the Papacy Part 1** May 15, 2017

As we approach the posting of the 95 Theses in Luther’s story, it seems like a good idea to learn about the institution of the papacy itself. This first part details the history of the beginning of the papacy, starting with the tradition that St. Peter was the first Bishop of Rome, and how we get from there in a straight line to what has been one of the oldest, if not the oldest continual institution in recorded history.

Happy Listening!

**Episode 19: What’s Up Doc?** Mar 30, 2017
This time we will delve into Martin finishing his doctorate in theology, thereby earning the title Doctor Luther.

Along the way, we’ll explore the continued angst Luther claimed to have experienced which will eventually lead to other crossroads, including eventually a breakthrough of theological thought. The more we discover about Martin, the more we see the crossroads clearly marked out, but for him at least, the destination of the route is unknown, unsure.

**Episode 18: Next Stop—-The Eternal City** Feb 04, 2017

Martin Luther takes a road trip to Rome, the Eternal City. He goes with high hopes, and leaves with a dose of realism. Along the way, we discuss the legendary history of the founding of Rome by Romulus, the forgiveness of sins through indulgences, and climbing the true highway to heaven, the Scala Sancta.

Happy Listening!

**Episode 17: The Life and Times Christmas & New Year’s Edition** Dec 31, 2016
Merry Christmas & Happy 2017!

In this special episode, we look at the history of why the birth of Jesus is celebrated in late December, the pagan holidays it usurped, and excerpts from two of Martin Luther’s Christmas sermons.

Happy Listening!

Episode 16: Meanwhile, Back in Erfurt… Nov 27, 2016

Meanwhile, Back in Erfurt…

In this episode we are pivoting from Augustine, back to Martin Luther. There is a bit more history about the Augustinians in Erfurt, and then inner conflict in the Augustinian Order between the observant and conventual friars. We are introduced to Martin’s mentor, Johannes von Staupitz, as Luther begins his studies on the way to receiving a doctorate in Theology.

Happy Listening!

Special Announcement! Happy Reformation and Exciting News about the Program Nov 01, 2016

Happy 499th Anniversary of the Reformation!

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, an Augustinian Friar and professor at the University of Wittenberg, allegedly nailed his 95 Theses to the Castle Church in Wittenberg. Originally, Luther was attempting to challenge some practices of the Church, within the Church. The responses by the Catholic hierarchy, however, eventually demanding that Dr. Luther recant and then branding him a heretic; set in motion the seismic societal movement we know as the Reformation.

Listen for exciting (and daunting) plans for the program!

Episode 15: Saints and Sinners: Augustine, the Wrap-up Oct 31, 2016

Saints & Sinners: This time, we mop things up relative to Augustine, delving into his two major rhetorical and actual fights with the Donatists and the Pelagians. Augustine explores free will, predestination, and the nature of sin. We then pivot to monastic life, and a brief history of the Augustinian Order. Along the way there are the Christian persecutions from earlier during the Roman Empire’s Crisis during the Third Century, The Cyprian Plague, and a host of sinners and saints.

In the end, we are left with the question, were you predestined to download this program, or was it your free will?!?! You decide!

Happy listening!

Episode 14: Barbarians at the Gates-Augustine of Hippo Part 3 Sep 16, 2016

Augustine goes from conversion to baptism as a Christian. Shortly after he and Monica share the spiritual “Vision at Ostia”, Monica died. After arrival in North Africa, tragedy strikes again as Augustine’s only son died. After his mother and son were gone, Augustine became a priest, and then Bishop of Hippo. Along the way, he became one of the most prolific writers and defenders of the faith of any age. Happy Listening!

Episode 13 From Conversion to Confession; Augustine of Hippo Part 2 Aug 19, 2016

Episode 13: From Conversion to Confession, Augustine of Hippo Pt. 2 In this episode we follow Augustine of Hippo beginning his teaching career, his rising to prominence in Milan, to his conversion to Christianity. And along the way he meets Bishop Ambrose of Milan. Happy Listening!!

Episode 12: Give Me Chastity … Just Not Yet! Augustine of Hippo Part 1 Jul 02, 2016

Episode 12: Augustine of Hippo, Part 1

This time explore the namesake of the Augustinian Order, Augustine of Hippo. From his birth to his first time in Carthage, as he begins searching for wisdom. On the way, we meet Monica, his devout Christian mother. His life and scholarship had a profound effect on the Church, and his philosophies and writings are part of the story of the Reformation, over 1,000 years after his death to the time Luther posts the 95 Theses.

Happy Listening!!

Episode 11: Get Thee to a Monastery! May 31, 2016

Episode 11! In this episode we follow Martin Luther from his oath made at the thunderstorm to the gates of the Augustinian Order. He leaves his prior life behind, and becomes an Augustinian friar. Luther celebrates his first mass as an ordained priest, and tries to reconcile with his father. Unfortunately, the reconciliation turns into an uncomfortable moment.

Episode 10: Luther at a Crossroads: Mortality in the Middle Ages May 01, 2016

Episode 10: Luther at a Crossroads-Mortality in the Middle Ages. We look at the Middle Ages, The Black Death (The Plague), and mortality in the Middle Ages.

Episode 9: Between Reason and Faith Apr 04, 2016

Episode 9 is here! In this program we look at the methods of learning and the study of theology Luther would have been exposed to during his time at the University of Erfurt while working toward his Bachelors and Masters degrees. Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Scholasticism, Nominalism and Humanism. All parts of the university experience at the time.

Episode 8: The University of Erfurt Mar 11, 2016

This time we begin a brief overview of Martin Luther’s time at the University of Erfurt. This is a shorter episode due to some time constraints, but the next episode will be back to the regular length you’ve grown accustomed to! Net time we’ll look at the different philosophies which impacted Martin’s learning at Erfurt.

Happy Listening!!

Episode 7: The Early Years-Alternative vs. Real History Feb 28, 2016

Episode 7!

On this program, we begin discussing the what we know about Luther’s early days. As before, there are some facts we know, a fair amount conjecture, and frankly a whole lot of myth. This early life has been the debate of various biographers through the centuries. There have been quite a bit of early missteps, which have gotten replicated over and over again, and as such, it is sort of like the “phone game” with bad facts. Essentially, the data was wrong to begin with, and this bad fact got repeated over and over again, until some wrong facts became the staple of some of these earnest biographers. Then there is a trend in the 20^th century to psychoanalyze Luther on the therapists’ couch from 400+ years away and without being able to interview the patient.

At first, some of the errant stories are strung together to generate an alternative history. Then we rewind, and discuss what is known about the real history, and then discuss the viability of the psychoanalysis so far from the time and without a great deal of the actual facts.

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Happy listening!

Episode 6: Saxony Feb 20, 2016

Episode 6: Saxony

This time we turn to Saxony, the place of Martin Luther’s birth. This episode delves into an understanding of the who, the where and the what of Saxons and Saxony. We meet Saxon leaders: Widukind, Henry the Fowler and Frederick the Wise.

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LTML Cover Art — **Episode 5: The Holy Roman Empire (Part 3)** Feb 09, 2016

On this episode, we’ll finish our survey of the Holy Roman Empire, taking us to the time of Luther. This will include the formalization of the Prince Electors, and then the rise of the final dynasty of the Empire, and the dynasty with the most longevity, the Habsburgs. The episode ends with the death of Maximilian I in 1519.

Thanks for downloading; Happy Listening!!

Episode 4: The Holy Roman Empire (Part 2) Feb 03, 2016

EPISODE 4 IS HERE!!

This time we’ll pick up with the sunset of Charlemagne’s reign, the demise of Carolingian dynasty and the rise of several other dynastic families, including Otto “The Great” who is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. Later, there is increasing tension between civil authority and the papacy, which sets off the “Investiture Controversy” between Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII.

Thanks for downloading and listening!!

Episode 3: The Holy Roman Empire (Part 1) Jan 24, 2016

Hello! Sorry it took a bit longer to get this one out. But here it is:

Episode 3: The Holy Roman Empire (Part 1)

In this episode we leave Martin Luther after his birth in 1483, and go back to the fall of the Roman Empire in the West, the rise of the Frankish Kings, culminating with the coronation of Charlemagne, the father of Europe.

Hope you enjoy, and please feel free to email me with any comments at: steve@martinlutherpodcast.com, or leave a comment here.

Thanks for listening!

The Life and Times of Martin Luther Episode 1: To Begin Jan 03, 2016

This “pilot” episode details how and why this podcast is beginning, with an overview of the story arch and scope of the podcast. Namely, the life of Martin Luther, in tandem with the events of the Reformation. The series will also capture many of the events, inventions, daily life and personalities of the 15th & 16th centuries.