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Vom Kriege wider die Türcken

Martin Luther · 1529

Luther's 1529 pamphlet on war against the Ottoman Turks, dedicated to Landgrave Philipp of Hesse.

Luther wrote this pamphlet himself, showing his views on war and politics beyond theology.

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What it is

This is a 1529 pamphlet written by Martin Luther, printed in Wittenberg, addressing the question of war against the Ottoman Turks. It is dedicated to Philipp, Landgrave of Hesse.

Why it matters

The pamphlet shows Luther engaging not only with theology but with the political and military crises of his time, as the Ottoman Empire pressed into Europe. It reveals how Reformation leaders were also expected to give guidance on matters of state and war.

Look closer

  • Why might Luther, a theologian, feel it was his place to write about war strategy?
  • What does the dedication to a powerful noble tell you about who Luther needed support from?
  • What questions would you want answered about how Luther's views here fit his wider religious teaching?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Martin Luther on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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