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This paper examines Luther's arguments for secular authority and its evolution within the historical and political context. Luther's arguments and attitudes towards secular authority have varied over time, leading to divergent evaluations of his political thought. He has been both criticized as a puppet of monarchs demanding blind obedience to unjust authority and hailed as a pioneer of modern political thought advocating active resistance. Therefore, this paper explores Luther's thought as a product shaped by social and temporal conditions, distinct from his biblical and theological thinking. It suggests interpreting Luther's evolving views of obedience as a strategic element for the success of the Protestant Reformation. The significance of this paper lies in several aspects. First, it refutes later negative assessments claiming Luther advocated blind obedience to unjust authority. Second, it elevates Luther's thought within political thought history as a foundation for modern political thought. Lastly, it provides clues for Christianity to adopt a flexible stance amidst domestic and international religious extremism and political polarization.
Chang Gi Jeong (Tue,) studied this question.