By the time Luther arrived in Wittenberg in 1512, Karlstadt was a well respected theologian in the university. He had received a BA from Erfurt before he began his studies at Wittenberg. After acquiring his doctorate in 1510, he became professor of theology and the dean of the university. In 1515 Karlstadt left for Rome where he would receive doctorates in canon law and in civil law. Upon his return to Wittenberg in 1516 his colleagues were outraged because they believed he was only making a pilgrimage to Italy. His return also sparked a theological conflict with Luther. Although Karlstadt reconciled with Luther eventually, their relationship would be marred by theological controversy throughout their lives. Karlstadt was shocked at the reforms Luther had instituted in the curriculum at Wittenberg during his absence. Luther’s emphasis on Scripture and Augustine’s theology offended Karlstadt’s Thomistic training. However, Karlstadt heeded Luther’s challenge to read Augustine’s writings for himself rather than relying upon the misinterpretation of scholastic theologians. He soon discovered that Luther’s claim was accurate and thus a dramatic shift in his theology occurred. Although Karlstadt was convinced of Luther’s concept of justification by faith alone, he also had significant differences in the understanding of one’s life subsequence to justification. Rather than focusing on justification as an external forensic declaration of one’s righteousness before God, Karlstadt believed that justification also brings about an inner renewal of the individual that results in righteous living. His view would ultimately influence the Pietist movement movement. This significant divergence from Luther’s theology would later lead to conflict and ultimately they would become adversaries.
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Andreas von Bodenstein Karlstadt
| Movement | Radical Reformation |
|---|---|
| Born | Karlstadt, 1486 |
| Died | Basel, 1541 |
| Significance | Karlstadt (sometimes Carlstadt) was a close associate of Martin Luther who eventually moved away from Luther's theology to become a Radical Reformer. He believed that all images should be removed from churches and that Christians must exhibit moral growth or sanctification. His emphasis on a transformed life made him a forerunner of Pietism. He died of the plague on December 24, 1541. |
| Critiques by Karlstadt |
Karlstadt on Saints and Wittenberg Theologians |
| Critiques of Karlstadt |
Luther on Melanchthon, Erasmus, Luther, and Karlstadt |
| See also | Home | Index of People | Radical Reformation | Andreas von Bodenstein Karlstadt Chronology | Andreas von Bodenstein Karlstadt Links | Andreas von Bodenstein Karlstadt Theologies | Andreas von Bodenstein Karlstadt Album |