ABSTRACT
Provides a description of various types of responses to the Ottomans, particularly in regard to Martin Luther’s disavowal of Crusade theology. Describes how ideas concerning appropriate responses to the Turks became entangled in the confessional conflicts in Germany.
Crusade ideology remained strong in the sixteenth century among papal-Imperial supporters and this is reflected in some Turcica. Many pamphlets offer concrete advice for victory against the Turks, including both intra-European alliances and even specific military strategies. Seen against the immediate context of the crusading theology of the medieval papacy, I argue that Luther and his colleagues stand out sharply. Clergy must not call for, lead, or fight in any war. As a Christian one does not fight, period. However, one is obligated to fight just wars of defense (only) or to constrain disturbers of the public order. Thus, Luther pointed the way to the transformation of the military response to Islam from a crusade to a defensive war to protect the homeland. This is not secularism or a naive separation of spiritual and material, however, as for Luther the two aspects of human life continuously intersect. Although as a Christian one does not engage in physical violence, one fights with spiritual weapons (prayer, etc.) against the physical enemies of God (like the Turks). This is one of Luther's most important contributions to the history of Christian-Islamic relations. Luther's critique against established authority encouraged others to publish independent positions concerning appropriate responses to the Turks. This chapter also discusses Turcica that encouraged missions, rapprochement, and pacifistic responses to the Ottoman advance.
