Martin Luther: The Man Who Changed The World | Part 1 | PODCAST

The Reformation, launched in 1517, stands as one of the most convulsive and transformative events of all time, shattering Christendom and dividing Europe for centuries. Its outcome determined the fates of Kings and Emperors, and saw the souls of millions consigned to the fiery pit of heresy. The man behind it all was Martin Luther, a humble monk of obscure origins. Bold, intellectually arrogant, and a master of spin, the assault he unleashed on the medieval Church had him excommunicated by the Pope. But what was it about Luther’s humble upbringing in Saxony and his strained relationship with his intimidating father that led him down a path of insolence? And was the religious revolution that he sparked inevitable?

Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the early life of Martin Luther, the apocalyptic environment from which he and his radical ideas emerged, and the Catholic Church he would come to take on…

*The Rest Is History LIVE in 2024*
Tom and Dominic are back onstage this summer, at Hampton Court Palace in London!

Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook

Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett
Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor

[MarcInTbilisi]

I'm slowly becoming addicted to these podcasts.

[DanSme]

I was born in 1949 in the middle of the United States into a cultural (Polish/Slavic) Roman Catholic family. Amazingly, my life and my family's life resemble Medieval Europe at the time of Luther, despite Protestant America and Modernity.

Luther's most direct nemesis, Erasmus, was the humanist [man of great education] and intellectual assassin hired by the then Pope to bring an [academic] end to Martin Luther. In his response to Erasmus, Luther wrote:

"Now, my good Erasmus, I entreat you for Christ's sake to keep your promise at last. You promised that you would yield to him who taught better than yourself. Lay aside respect of persons! I acknowledge that you are a great man, adorned with many of God's noblest gifts--wit, learning and an almost miraculous eloquence, to say nothing of the rest; whereas I have and am nothing, save that I would glory in being a Christian.

"Moreover, I give you hearty praise and commendation on this further account--that you alone, in contrast with all others, have attacked the real thing, that is, the essential issue. You have not wearied me with those extraneous issues about the Papacy, purgatory, indulgences and such like--trifles, rather than issues--in respect of which almost all to date have sought my blood (though without success); you, and you alone, have seen the hinge on which all turns, and aimed for the vital spot." Bondage of the Will

How tragic that so many historians are unaware of the "vital spot" upon which the Reformation emerged.

[juliacreatesjoy]

I had a history teacher called Mr Edwards back in high school who the passion in these podcasts remind me of so much and that set me up for success at a level and in the history modules of my degree. It’s such a joy.

[nickstone]

I am orthodox Christian, greek so for me of great interest if from different perspective.

[belalkhanfar]

I can listen to Tom for hours, great speaker.

[the_tyler_vaughn]

I get excited seeing another Rest is History series beginning!

[georgewilliams]

Have been listening to these podcasts for months. Finally broke down and subscribed. But was frustrated in finding topics of particular interest in the early days. But, at last I discovered so many of those are on YouTube! It helps comprehension to see the lads, but now I’m finding it difficult to return to Tom’s epic erudite book Dominion. I’m having such fun reviewing favorite episodes and finding older ones so easily available that I’m finding it difficult to do much else. I’ve been a Tom Holland fan for years, and the repartee between he and Dominic makes history so much more engaging and fascinating. I’ve always found it so and these two are still a revelation. Tom’s journey from classics to crediting Christianity has been similar to my own. But he has illuminated the history of Christianity in a way that made it fresh and so much more interesting than I’ve ever found it before.

[moyaodwyer]

Excellent and thought provoking .
Loved the insight that the Reformation changed our relationship to belief itself .
Marvellous as always.
😊

[johannestzimiskes]

As a German Lutheran from a region still dominated by Lutheranism, I can confirm he still has a very important status, I don't believe there has been any other person about whom I have learned more in school.

[marcussheffield]

You guys are amazingly interesting and insightful. Your relationship is delightful. Funny and good natured.

[jamestaylor]

OMG, I think I am Luther reborn! I am born of coal mining stock in the Mansfield area. I have worked for a copper smelting company for 25 years. I have lived in Yorkshire and I am always at odds with my employer. Issues with Turks and I even had a fight in a pub once or twice. It is only the thought of being likened to Neil Warnock that undermines my theory.

Seriously, your history presentations on many subjects are absolutely superb and help me rest my mind throughout the chaos of life. Thank you.

[florianlipp]

48:40: minor correction: Konstanz is not in Switzerland (and never was). It is in modern day Germany and in the Middle Ages was a Free Imperial City.

[unbabunga]

I’d say Martin Luther is the 3rd or 4th most influential person in the entire world, it’s almost unfathomable how much he changed the world

[paulsenkans]

I have 2 week's holiday in front of me, so I will definately be watching these podcasts / series. Thank you very much!

[grimtt]

Came here from the Lord Byron set of episodes, loving these! Great to hear history not being looked upon just from our modern viewpoint.

[pete]

The primary drawing line between what was "heresy" and what could remain within the Church came down not to theology or doctrine, but rather how much of a threat was the doctrine or theology to the flow of coin moving from the field to Rome.

[sarawoods]

The Luther Trail in Germany is a great way to visit Germany. The 500th was an amazing time to go …Luther was everywhere!! Tea towels, advertising sunglasses 😎, pop art. Amazing museum presentations.

[simonclarke]

I really enjoyed how a podcast about Martin Luther managed to include a mention of Neil Warnock and worm eater Sean Dyche. And the personal description of Charles V reminded me of Gareth Southgate (save the linguistic abilities).

[StephenBailey-gp]

Absolutely fascinating account. I'm learning so much.

[d.c.]

"Mass-ive deal!" --Hahaha, top-tier pun right there! 😂 🥁