“Founding a New Church …”: The Early Ecclesiology of Martin Luther in the Light of the Debate about Confessionalization

The turning point of Luther’s way to become the reformer of Christianity in Germany was his struggle with the theological tradition – theology as much as its practical consequence in piety and church – of his time. In his view these developments culminated in the question of a merciful God.1 Luther had received answers to this and other related questions, which did not satisfy his existential search for eternal security.2 Traditional theology and pastoral care guided those searching Christ to the church. The Holy Catholic Church acted as mediator and guarantee of God’s eternal will to redeem the sinner and to guarantee atonement through the sacrament of penance.