Introduction

Abstract

The book’s introduction makes a case for the importance of understanding the German peasants’ revolt of 1525 as a religious, rather than primarily social or political conflict. It contrasts that approach with traditionally dominant trends across several centuries of historiography, which it surveys here. It details the study’s methods, particularly its appeal to the religious and ritual life of rural peasants in order to extract theological positions that are subsequently brought into conversation with those of academic theologians, most importantly Martin Luther. Finally, it offers a sketch of the work’s individual chapters and overarching argument, as well as notes on relevant terminology.