“The Twelve Articles of Peasantry” lists of eleven demands of the peasantry to the ruling nobles about changes they wanted to see in their lives. The articles advocate for fairer treatment and more rights for the peasants. The articles are justified as laying a foundation for Christian scripture and teachings, “as a basis for their doctrine and life.” The articles conclude by saying that, “if one or more of the articles herein set forth shall prove to be out of keeping with the word of God, we shall retract them.” Martin Luther, the leader who began the reformation, wrote a reply to “The Twelve Articles of Peasantry” in his “an Admonition to Peace.” Luther agreed with some of the peasants claims of mistreatment, but utterly disagreed with …show more content…
That, “for no matter how right you are, it is not for a Christian to appeal to law, or to fight, but rather to suffer wrong and endure evil; and there is no other way.” Luther tells the peasants God will punish the wicked in the afterlife and save the good in heaven.
Thomas Müntzer, has a different opinion from Luther. While Müntzer did not issue an official written response to the “The Twelve Articles of Peasantry,” he was a leader of the Peasant War and did write “Manifesto to the Miners” about the revolt.
Müntzer writes encouraging the peasants to revolt. Müntzer, in contrast to Luther’s urging for acceptance of one’s place, tells peasants, “God can no longer reveal himself to you unless you take a stand.” He reminds them that, “God commanded Moses to show them no mercy” citing Deuteronomy 7. He highlights this should be a violent revolt with his vivid imagery saying, “let not your blood-covered sword grow cool.” Müntzer promises the peasants that God is on their side, “It is not your battle, but the