The Middle Way Summary and Analysis

When Luther goes back to Wittenberg, he is under the ban of both the Church and the State. The flippant popes of the Renaissance are succeeded by a serious pope of the Counter Reformation, who is concerned as much as Luther for the correction of moral and financial corruption.

By the beginning of 1525, the mass is at an end in Wittenberg. Pope Hadrian tells Frederick the Wise to separate himself from Martin Luther and muffle his blasphemous tongue. What will happen to Luther is not decided by the pope, emperor, or the elector alone, but with the German diet at the meeting in Nurnberg.

Duke George writes Luther saying God is merciful and will forgive him if he returns. George says he will try to obtain a pardon from the emperor for him. Erasmus still believes Luther...