Schmalkalden articles ( him. Schmalkaldische Artikel ) - a symbolic book of Lutherans , an integral part of the Book of Concord . Written by Martin Luther in 1537 as a concise statement of faith for the Schmalkalden Union .
Content
Contents
Part One
Affirmation of the truths of the Apostolic Creed of the Trinity of God and the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Second part
- 1 Item #: Sola fide .
faith alone justifies us - 2 items. Criticism of the papal mass as a human fabrication, abomination and idolatry, the essence of which is in the sacrifice, which is committed for the sins of the living and the dead (in purgatory ). Such a mass is associated with memorial services, all-night vigils and other good deeds that can supposedly be forgiven by God. Also on the same basis, this article criticizes pilgrimages, monasteries, the worship of the relics of saints and the prayers of saints, as well as indulgences.
- 1 Item #: Sola fide .
| May all people be openly preached that the mass , like human idle talk [concoction], can be rejected without sin, and that no one who does not observe it will be condemned, but can be saved in the best way, without any mass. |
- 3 items. Against monasticism.
- 4 items. Against the papacy. Pope of Rome - "The Pope is only the bishop and pastor of the Church of Rome"
Third part
- Sin (original) is a corruption of the human nature.
- The law is the evidence of sin.
- Repentance - the need for change.
- The gospel is the preaching of the forgiveness of sins.
- Epiphany. Approval of the views of Augustine, criticism of Thomas and Duns. “Children should be baptized”
- The Sacrament of the Altar. "The bread and wine in the Sacrament are the true Body and Blood of Christ." The need for communion with both bread and wine. Criticism of the doctrine of transubstantiation .
- Power keys
- Confession
- Excommunication. The ban on the sacrament of communion unworthy.
- The appointment of priests.
we ourselves should ordain people - Family life of priests. Against celibacy .
- Church "holy believers and sheep who hear the voice of their Shepherd"
- Justification to God.
if good deeds do not follow, then faith is false and untrue - Monastic vows. Criticism of monastic life as a service more pure than worldly life.
- About the traditions. Criticism of the practice of consecration of church buildings, bells, altar stone, candles, palm branches as mockery of Holy Baptism.
Quotes
- Purgatory and any solemnity, ritualism and trade associated with it should be considered as a ghost of the devil II, II, 12
- The invocation of saints is also one of the abuses of the antichrist
- The Church must continue to exist without the Pope ... the Pope is the real antichrist