Author:
CHOW Szeting, Associate Professor, School of History, Renmin University of China.
Abstract:
Martin Luther's views on procreation had a significant impact in Germany as the Reformation developed. Based on his reading of the biblical text, Luther began writing extensively about the relationship between marriage and procreation in 1519. He maintained that everyone should have the right to marry and have children, as procreation represents the highest human vocation. Motivated by these concepts, Luther noted the dual pressures that women faced, both psychologically and socially. He also pointed out the vital role that procreation had in preserving sustainable social development. Instead of condemning miscarriages in the name of sin, Luther argued that people ought to console women and help release them fromagonizing circumstances. Luther's perspective not only helped to relieve women who had miscarried of the guilt of sin, but also led to a revolutionary change in early modern German society, from favoring celibacy to encouraging childbearing.
Keywords:
Martin Luther, view on procreation, Germany
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