Heidelberg Disputation

The Heidelberg Disputation was held at the lecture hall of the Augustinian order in Heidelberg, Germany on April 26, 1518.^[1] It was here that Martin Luther, as a delegate for his order, began to have occasion to articulate his views. In the defense of his theses, which culminated in a contrast between divine love and human love,^[2] Luther defended the doctrine of human depravity and the bondage of the will. Martin Bucer, the reformer of Strasbourg, heard Luther here and became an avid follower.^[3] This disputation also led to Johann Eck's challenging Martin Luther to the Leipzig Debate.^[4]

28 theses

The Heidelberg 28 theses were the basis of the disputation and represented a significant evolution from the 95 theses of the previous year from a simple dispute about the theology behind indulgences to a fuller, Augustinian theology of sovereign grace.^[5]

Observers

• 
  Martin Bucer
• 
  Erhard Schnepf
• 
  Johannes Brenz

See also

• Theology of the Cross