Diffusion of the Reformation in Southwestern Germany, 1518-1534 (University of Chicago Geography Research Papers)

from Introduction: Among the most puzzling phenomena in cultural history are the occasional outbreaks and diffusion of "symbolic epidemics, " including the origin and spread of a new religion or a new political ideology. Rarely has the spread of ideas characteristic of such movements been considered at the level of a total society. The Problem: An attempt is made here to describe and explain the diffusion of the Lutheran movement in southwestern Germany (Fig. 1) in the first fifteen years after its inception (1518 to 1534), a period which has often been regarded as the decisive era in the formation of the new church in Wurttemberg. By "move"ffient" should be understood a gathering of people who were "moved" by and mutually dedicated to the propagation and implementation of the ideas, thoughts, and teachings of Martin Luther. This ideological movement resulted ultimately in a social movement, in which persons not only sought the company of existing adherents, but attempted to win new followers to their cause. The unfolding activities in this movement cast a vast influence on the political, economic, cul tural, and social sectors of human existence for centuries to come. Since the movement had its roots in Martin Luther's 95 Theses of October 30, 1517, the adjective evangelical is synonymous with "Lutheran" in a broad 3 sense. It includes the thoughts and writings of theologians like Melanchthon... Chapter headings include: THE REFORMATION AND CONCOMITANT SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS;--- THE IMPACT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE COMMUNICATION NET ON THE REFORMATION; --- POLITICAL DECISION-MAKING AND THE REFORMATION; PLACES OF ORIGIN OF PREACHERS AND LOCALITIES WITH RESIDENT PREACHERS; ---LOCALITIES WITH IMMIGRANT PREACHERS; PREACHING FOUNDATIONS (PRADIKATUREN) AND THE DIFFUSION OF THE REFORMATION; and --- PREACHING FOUNDATIONS (PRADIKATUREN) AND THE DIFFUSION OF THE REFORMATION