Smalcald Articles

The Smalcald Articles are next to the small and the great catechism the only Lutheran confessional writings from the pen of Martin Luther.

The articles that have been written on behalf of the Saxon Elector Johann Friedrich in December 1536 and submitted to the Federal Assembly in Schmalkalden in February 1537 were originally on the by Pope Paul III. convened council of Mantua are recited. However, members of the Federal Schmalkaldic already have the item for the council as not suitable classified and signed only with reservations. Finally found this council, that would settle the schism, until 1545 in Trento and largely without the participation of the Lutherans instead.

In 1544, the Smalcald Articles for confession were collected and later they have become part of the Konkordienbuches in which the basics of the Lutheran faith are laid down.

They contain in particular an exploration of the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church who refuse the Lutherans. Topics include salvation, fair, papacy, saints and the veneration of relics, drain and similar topics. The language is clear and memorable.

The Smalcald Articles were signed by 43 leading scholars, including by Philipp Melanchthon, Johannes Bugenhagen, Johannes Agricola, Justus Jonas and George Helt.

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