Provide the historical context and purpose of the document below. Additionally, explain how Luther's ideas helped lead to the events described below (causation).
Below is a statement via letter from Martin Luther regarding the rebellious activities of the peasantry
in Central Europe from 1524 to 1525.
The peasants have taken upon themselves the burden of three terrible sins against God and man; by
this they have merited death in body and soul... they have sworn to be true and faithful, submissive
and obedient, to their rulers... now deliberately and violently breaking this oath... they are starting a
rebellion, and are violently robbing and plundering monasteries and castles which are not theirs...
they have doubly deserved death in body and soul as highwaymen and murderers... they cloak this
terrible and horrible sin with the gospel... thus they become the worst blasphemers of God and
slanderers of his holy name.
Source: Martin Luther, Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants, 1525 [letter about the
German Peasant Revolts]