Martin Luther's unruly offspring: the Protestant Reformation and radical critique

Professor Hartmut Lehmann, Universities of Gottingen, reveals how Martin Luther attempted to discipline the rapidly growing group of his followers after the first, turbulent years of the Protestant Reformation.

Beginning in the 1520s, independent thinkers freed themselves from Luther's teachings, believing in the priesthood of all believers. Some practised adult baptism, others criticised the close cooperation of state and church in Protestant territories, and over time developed their own authorities and networks.

Within just a few decades, Luther's unruly offspring came of age.