The Leipzig Debate in 1519: Leaves from the Story of Luther's Life (1919) by W. H. T. Dau, a turning point in Western faith and practice.

Debate Participants: Johann Eck, Andreas Carlstadt, and Martin Luther.

Johann Eck was a distinguished theologian of the time in Germany and a scholarly debater of the Catholic faith. Born Nov. 15, 1486, at the town of Eck in Swabia, he was admitted to Heidelberg University when only twelve years old. He later studied at Tübingen where he received the Master of Arts in 1501. He did more study at Cologne and Freiburg. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1508 at 22 years of age. In two more years he received the Doctor of Theology degree. He ublished a series of philosophical works, some of which served as textbooks at the University at Ingolstadt where he taught. He wrote a famous book on predestination in relation to grace and free will when only twenty-eight. Toward life’s end he compiled his writings and in 1539 published a German version of the Scriptures.

Andreas Karlstadt appeared with Luther against Eck in the debate at Leipzig. He was a German Protestant reformer, university professor, and Dean of the University at Wittenburg, Germany. He later taught theology at Basel, Switzerland. As early as 1516, Carlstadt denied free will and taught salvation by grace alone. He supported Luther against the attacks of Johann Eck by maintaining the supremacy of Scripture. Carlstadt became the most extreme of the Wittenberg reformers. During Luther's stay at the Wartburg Castle (1521-22) he became the leader at Wittenberg and began to put his radical beliefs into effect. He spiritualized many doctrines, undermining the importance of the church, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Upon his return Luther accused Carlstadt of betrayal and restored some of the practices Carlstadt had thrown away. Being accused of revolutionary political activity he fled to Basel, Switzerland where he served as professor of theology.

Martin Luther was controversial. His supporters call him a Protestant hero; his detractors call him a heretic. He was certainly a catalyst that changed the course of the Western world. Luther often called himself a simple monk or a simple Christian. He was amazed that a stand of conscience had turned him into one of the well known people of his day.

The debate was held in Leipzig, Germany June 27-July 15, 1519. It was a turning-point for Luther, for Eck, for Carlstadt, and for the faith and practice of the people which they represented. The two main things discussed were indulgences and the office of the pope.