The spread of radical reformation: Carstadt and the Zwickau prophets; Luther's relations with radicals and humanists
Some reformers pushed far beyond Luther's ideas, demanding immediate and dramatic change. Luther rejected these radicals and also grew distant from humanist scholars who had once supported him.
Real World
While Luther was in hiding at Wartburg, Carstadt celebrated the first Protestant communion in Wittenberg on Christmas Day 1521 in ordinary clothes, handing bread and wine to laypeople in German — scenes that shocked conservatives and alarmed Luther when he returned.
Exam Focus
Distinguish Luther's objections to radicals from his objections to humanists — they are different reasons; conflating them loses marks.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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