
The Rest Is History 12 Days: Martin Luther and J.R.R. Tolkien
24 snips
Jan 3, 2022 Explore the dramatic excommunication of Martin Luther that ignited the Protestant Reformation and its surprising cultural legacy. Discover the humorous connections between J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday and his Catholic heritage. Delve into Tolkien's early life experiences and how they shaped the stark contrasts between rural and urban settings in his work. Unpack the anti-industrial themes in 'The Lord of the Rings' that resonate with modern concerns, alongside reflections on morality and society through its beloved characters.
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Episode notes
Luther and Social Media
- Tom Holland mentions an early episode discussing social media's resemblance to Reformation-era printing.
- He highlights Martin Luther's mastery of this new media.
Luther's Excommunication
- Luther's 95 Theses, posted in 1517, initiated the Protestant Reformation.
- Four years later, on January 3, 1521, Luther was excommunicated, formalizing the schism.
Luther's Core Beliefs
- Luther believed personal scripture interpretation, not church hierarchy, determines Christian behavior.
- He challenged the Catholic Church's authority and viewed the papacy as a distortion of Christian teachings.


