LEO vs. LUTHER
THE SHOWDOWN!!!
Pope Leo X and Martin Luther had, perhaps the most important and controversial standoff in Western History. Both men’s view points were grounded in religious tradition and fundamental Christian dogma that many were willing to die for.
This fundamental debate between Church authority and the ability to read and interpret the bible for oneself has given rise to more bloodshed and fierce political battles than any other issue in history. In many ways, much of the world is still divided between Roman Catholicism and those Protestants who refute the Church’s authority here on earth.
Your Task: For our purposes we will pretend that we have Luther and Leo here in class. We will also assume that they are both huge fans of Underground Rap Battles! You and a partner will take on the personas of each of these historical characters and then write and perform (optional) these theological rap battles.
REQUIREMENTS: In your battle you must include ALL of the following Reformation terms,people, and phrases.
Reformation Terms, People and Phrases
Indulgence- A pardon releasing a person from punishments due for a sin.
Johan Tetzel- Main priest behind the selling of indulgences to pay for the building of St. Peter’s Basilica
Holy Roman Empire- Ruled by Charles V, summoned Luther to the town of Worms to stand trial.
Diet (Edict) of Worms- Meeting that declared Luther an outlaw and a heretic
Faith Alone- Martin Luther believed this is all you needed to be on the right path to heaven.
95 Theses- Ninety-five criticisms of the Roman Catholic Church written by Martin Luther and nailed to the door of the cathedral.
Papal Bull- Letters or decrees written by popes to guide people in their path to heaven
Excommunication- taking away of a person’s right of membership in a Christian church.
St Peter’s Basilica- Large holy church located in Vatican City which was partly paid for with the selling of indulgences.
Catholic- during the Renaissance, many Catholics were subject to corrupt popes making their journey to heaven extremely difficult with monetary obstacles.
Protestant- a member of a Christian church founded on the principles of the reformation
Peace of Augsburg- 1555 agreement declaring that the religion of each German state would be decided by its ruler.
“I neither can nor will I recant anything because it is neither safe nor right to act against conscience. God help me. Amen.”
Martin Luther, 1522
“Indeed, we declare, announce and define, that it is altogether necessary for salvation for every human being to be subject to the Roman pontiff (pope).”
Pope Leo X, 1534
Pope Leo X Martin Luther
Pope Leo X Rapping Against Martin Luther (Example)
Last name: POPE…First name GREATEST....You all know me…I’m here to rap the latest!
You all know him right?
Last name : Luther…First name Joke…I’m going to spit sweet lyrical rhymes…he’s gonna CHOKE!
Focusing on Catholicism and how it can revive.
Telling me what to do with your Theses95’.
What you need to do is find out how your gonna survive,
Now that I excommunicated you for all that jive!
You’re just a punk who is jealous of popes’ lives…..
Better yet, you just wish you had one of my six wives!
You sayFaith Alone can get you higher?
So…what are you calling me a liar?
We do things right, you can ask any Friar…
Nobody is going to believe you…. Just look at your sloppy attire!
Fool……don’t make me send my boy Tetzel to your crib togo ballistic on your booty!
He would gun you down in only ways you would see in Call of Duty!
Well, the Holy Roman Empire came down on yo block
They stir fried you in their wok!
You thought the Diet of Worms was a shock?
Wait till I get a hold of you…I’ll clean your clock!
You better raise up off of us for selling indulgences for sin…
Boy you know that popes always win!
You said you came from the hoods of Berlin?
Are you crazy… you look like Biggy Smalls’ identical twin!
Protestant or Catholic, does it really all matter?
Sure it does, as long as my pockets get fatta!
Yea I’m rich, but you all know me I’m the Mad Rappa!
I eat rappers fo breakfast….Jay Z….Kanye….Luda…. they all on my platta!
Ahhh Martin…to me you will always be a small fry!
You better watch out …I invented the drive by!
Rat a tat tat tat tat…Oh My…
I betta slow down ya’ll… it looks like he’s about to cry!
You better tell your followers the papal bull aint stopping!
Not at least until I make St. Peter’s Basilica hoppin!
Fool…do you think the Peace of Augsburg is gonna stop the fightin?
Son…the Catholics are gonna come down on the Protestants like lightning!
Boy…you know a pope’s power is frightening!
Protestantism….the word is just stifling!
Now it’s your turn playa…I hope you survived this lyrical attack
I wouldn’t even attempt a comeback!
Heck, everyone knows you can’t talk smack!
So this is the end of this rap…if you want my autograph succa…I’ll be in the back of my million dolla Cadillac!