How did German princes respond to Luther's teachings?

German princes had varied responses to Luther's teachings, with some supporting him while others remained loyal to the Catholic Church.

The response of German princes to Martin Luther's teachings was not uniform, reflecting the complex political and religious landscape of the time. Some princes, such as Frederick the Wise of Saxony, were early and ardent supporters of Luther. Frederick protected Luther from the Pope and the emperor, and his support was crucial in allowing Lutheranism to survive and spread. He saw in Luther's teachings an opportunity to challenge the power of the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Emperor, and to assert greater independence for his own territories.

Other princes, however, remained loyal to the Catholic Church. They saw Luther's teachings as a threat to the established order and were concerned about the potential for social unrest. The Habsburgs, who controlled the Holy Roman Empire, were particularly opposed to Luther. Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, declared Luther an outlaw at the Diet of Worms in 1521, and his successors continued to oppose the spread of Lutheranism.

In between these two extremes, there were many princes who were initially uncertain about how to respond to Luther's teachings. They were attracted by the possibility of greater independence from the Church and the emperor, but also wary of the potential for conflict and disruption. Over time, however, many of these princes came to support Lutheranism, either because of genuine religious conviction or because of political considerations.

The response of the German princes to Luther's teachings was therefore a key factor in the spread of the Reformation in Germany. Their support allowed Lutheranism to survive and grow, despite the opposition of the Church and the emperor. At the same time, their varied responses reflect the complex and often contradictory pressures that they faced, as they sought to navigate the turbulent waters of sixteenth-century politics and religion.