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Johannes Eck

Type Figure Region Europe Time 1486–1543 Also known as Johann Maier

Johannes Eck (1486–1543), German theologian and professor at the University of Ingolstadt, who taught scholastic theology there in the 1510s and beca…

Timeline

  1. 1511–1516Ingolstadt · BavariaEck taught scholastic theology at the University of Ingolstadt, earning a doctorate in theology in 1510; renowned for rigorous scholarship and defense of papal authority, he enjoyed prestige in the academic circles of southern Germany.
  2. 1517–1518Ingolstadt · BavariaAfter Luther published the Ninety-five Theses, Eck quickly issued rebuttals such as the Twelve-angled Star, systematically questioning Luther's criticisms of indulgences and church authority, becoming one of the earliest public responders in the Catholic camp.
  3. 1519Leipzig · SaxonyEck engaged Luther and Melanchthon in a public theological debate lasting several weeks in Leipzig, clashing fiercely over papal authority, church tradition, and scriptural interpretation; both sides claimed victory, but the debate further intensified the divide between reformist and conservative camps.
  4. 1520Rome · Papal StatesEck traveled to Rome to petition Pope Leo X, providing scholarly arguments against Luther and helping to bring about the papal bull Exsurge Domine of June 1520 condemning Luther's views and setting a deadline for Luther to retract his theses.

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