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!

Leo X, Archbishop of Mainz and Johann Tetzel respond to the 95 Theses

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: Johannas Lang, Georg Spalatin and Christopher Scheurl.  Each likely had an impact on the how and where the word of the 95 Theses would spread.  

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.