Adolph II, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen

Adolf von Anhalt- Zerbst (* October 16, 1458 in Köthen (Anhalt), † March 24, 1526 in Merseburg ) was a Roman Catholic bishop of Merseburg, and remained until his death, one of Luther's opponents.

Life

As a son of Prince Adolf I of Anhalt- Köthen he moved into in 1471, the University of Leipzig in 1475 and was its rector. Although he had decided to enter the clergy, he had a long time interest in the government of his principality, which he formally renounced until 1508. In 1488 he became provost in Magdeburg, was ordained a priest in 1490, was adopted in 1507 by Bishop Thilo von Merseburg Coadjutor and followed this in 1514 as bishop after.

His management of the pin Merseburg is considered prudently and prosperously. In addition he preached and taught. Although he basically agree went to the doctrine of justification with Luther, he declined but from all interference with the existing church order. Luther's books, he was burned in 1520 and 1522 forbade the reading of the Bible translation of the reformer. In 1523 he moved Duke George of Saxony for the designation of the Lutheran Magister Sebastian Fröschel from the city of Leipzig. On May 3, In 1525 he was forced to flee due to Protestant riots in Leipzig.