Schmalkalden is where we were yesterday, learning more about the importance of the Schmalkadic League and how it played a major role in increasing the number of Protestant Churches across Europe. This league was a German Protestant military federatioin baced on an agreement that was made by a number of princes at Schmalkalden located in Thuringia in December of 1530- February of 1531. This league held their conventions there in Schmalkalden at St. George's Church on a regular basis. One of the most important conventions they had was when Martin Luther was the main presenter. He served as the guest preacher at St. George's for the two Sundays he was there and also presented to the convention his Schmalkald Articles. These articles of faith were written as a summary of the Lutheran doctrine. He had been invited by the Duke of Saxony to come and present his teachings of faith to the convention. The hope was that through these artciles the Schmalkadic League might be able to create a unified confession of faith.
This league also put together a militia to prepare to fight against the Catholic Emporer Charles V. The war between the Holy Catholic Church military and the Schmalkaldic Military referred to as the Schmalkaldic War lasted just under a year with the Protestant troops losing to the emperor's army. And even though the battle on the field was lost and the league fell apart, Protestantism was now rooted in many places throughout Europe and growing.
The Schmalkald articles are to this day a major part of our Lutheran Confessions found in the Book of Concord and articles to which our pastors in the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod subscribe at their ordination. Maybe it's time to dust off your Book of Concord and give these articles a read.
Pictures include the modern day look of the interior of St. George Church. I threw an image of the organ in the mix for Jacob. I've been collecting pictures of organs and interesting musical instruments to put in a file and share with him. I thought he'd like this since I know he's an avid follower of this blog. The picture that looks like the entry to a small chapel is actually off to the side of the chancel. Luther used this room to stay in while he was in Schmalkalden. Oh, yeah, and by the way, I found flat Luther in Schmalkalden. Not the small flat Luther, but a full-sized larger than life Luther. Where else? Having a beer and a brat at the local town grill! Enjoy!
"Where's Pastor?"
Luther Quote of the Day
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."
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