Question

to the count of katzenellbogen, ziegenhain, and nidda, my gracious lord.
pope leo x, in the bull in which he put me under the ban, condemned my statement that to fight
against the turk is the same thing as resisting god, who visits our sin upon us with this rod. i still
confess freely that this statement is mine. the popes and bishops called for war against the turks in
the name of christ. yet because christ taught that christians shall not resist evil with violence or
take revenge, it is against his name.
in how many wars against the turks have the bishops and clergy prevented christians from enduring
heavy losses? indeed, the king of hungary and his bishops were beaten by the turks at varna* and
more recently a german army would perhaps have fought with more success, if it had not contained
priests. if i were an emperor, a king, or a prince in a campaign against the turks, i would encourage
the bishops and priests to stay at home and mind the duties of their office, praying, fasting, saying
mass, preaching, and caring for the poor, as not only holy scripture, but their own canon law teaches
and requires. to this i say amen, amen.
*a reference to a failed christian crusade launched against the ottoman turks in 1444
martin luther, german theologian, sermon addressed to a german prince, 1528
in your response, be sure to address all parts of the question. use complete sentences; an outline or
bulleted list alone is not acceptable.
a. identify and explain one argument made in the passage regarding the pope and the clergy.
(skill #3, 3 - 4 sentences)

Explanation:

Martin Luther criticizes the clergy (bishops, priests) for not fulfilling their duties (preaching, caring for the poor) as per canon law. Instead, they focus on non - religious activities like war against the Turks. He implies that true Christian resistance should be spiritual (confessing freely in Christ's name) rather than violent war, which the clergy and Pope support.

Answer:

Martin Luther argues that the clergy (bishops, priests) are neglecting their religious duties (preaching, caring for the poor as per canon law) and are wrongly involved in war (against the Turks) which is not in line with Christ's teachings (Christians should not resist evil with violence in His name).