The importance of Martin Luther's commitment to a new hamartiology for a proper interpretation of the conflict at the Diet of Worms

The purpose of this dissertation is to show how Luther's unique perspective on sin was a key stimulus for the emerging reformation movement. It is the contention of this author that without Luther's avid attention to hamartiological issues, he would not have pursued the search for a different authority that ultimately led to the Protestant Reformation. Furthermore, the most neglected area is the hamartiological influence of Luther's preaching. The sermons are largely untapped resources in the academic community that should be mined for valuable insight into the psyche and motivation of Martin Luther. Every aspect of Luther's doctrine of sin can be examined through his preaching. This dissertation seeks to demonstrate that Luther's hamartiology, as demonstrated primarily through his preaching, is a vital resource to uncovering a key stimulus for an attempt to reform the Medieval Catholic Church. Martin Luther's hamartiological development is traced throughout his sermons prior to the Diet of Worms, which resulted in the ultimate beginning of a new church in Germany. Therefore, special attention is given to doctrinal preaching concerning sin, especially those sermons delivered prior to the Diet of Worms. A few sermons on the same text of Scripture after the Diet are analyzed to provide added analysis of comparative sermons and homiletical development.;The second chapter lays out the historical, philosophical, and theological background of the Late Middle Ages. The third chapter focuses on Luther and his lays out the historical, philosophical, and theological background of the Late Middle Ages. The third chapter focuses on Luther and his personal struggle with sin. Luther's own dealings with sin caused him to search for answers outside the Church. The work reveals the ways his own personal struggles highlighted his own preoccupation with the issue of hamartiology. Chapter four evaluates Luther's hamartiology in sermons prior to the Diet of Worms. Many recognize the 95 Theses as the beginning of the Reformation. However, for the purposes of this dissertation, the Diet of Worms serves as a more significant moment of decisive reform, since the Diet sealed Luther's departure from the Catholic Church. Chapter five describes how Luther's hamartiology and his inability to allow the Church to continue without correction forced the incident at Worms. It addresses the pragmatic nature of the sola Scriptura cry.;The dissertation concludes with a brief summary of the effects Luther's conclusions had on other aspects of Luther's ministry. The final chapter expresses three important points argued in the paper. Luther's hamartiology as a catalyst for reform, his hamartiology as a stimulus for the authority of Scripture, and his hamartiology as the key point of departure for Protestantism clarify Luther's reforming motives in his developing hamartiology within his preaching.