Luther and the Authority of Scripture

This chapter examines Martin Luther's significant theological shift towards the principle of 'scripture alone' during the 1519 Leipzig disputation, where he challenged papal authority and established his stance on scriptural interpretation. It highlights the contrasting views of scriptural authority between Lutherans and the Roman Catholic Church, focusing on Luther's belief in the sufficiency of scripture versus the need for papal interpretation. The chapter also explores the subsequent divisions within Reformed tradition, particularly between Luther and Zwingli, and highlights areas of agreement on the authority and clarity of Scripture.