We toured Leipzig this AM. This included a museum that showcased several hundred years of local history – including some details about the disputation between Eck and Luther. We then walked to the Old City Hall, which is where the debate actually took place. We finished up Leipzig with a tour of St. Thomas church, where Luther preached and Bach was choir master. The latter’s remains are interned there.
From Leipzig we drove 90 miles to Erfurt, which is a beautiful city. (I was unprepared for Germany to be so nice). There we saw three things
- Cathedral of Saint Mary: This was the most spectacular thing we have seen so far. Both this church – and one right next to it – are Roman Catholic churches, though I suspect they are mostly museums. St. Mary’s is spectacular, and the court yard below them is remarkable as well. This is where Luther said his first mass (or tried to, before panicking and running away).
- The Augustinian Monastery: This is now set up as a study center and museum.
- Erfurt University: This is where Luther did his undergraduate studies. It remains a small university today.
- The Merchant’s Bridge: Built in 1470, this is one of the few bridges that holds homes on it.
Erfurt was remarkable. A beautiful and vibrant European town celebrating a beautiful and vibrant fall day. Hundreds of people walking the cobblestone streets and sitting in outdoor cafes. Musicians playing in the parks. Remarkable.
Misc:
- According to Marshall we walked 17,000 steps today, and that is a lot.
- My time in Germany has not been a particularly spiritual experience. The biggest take away has been how contentious the Reformation was. I find that more than anything, I feel a bit sad.
- Before coming over here, I’d heard reports that Germany was under a fair bit of stress and strain because of the million plus immigrants (mostly Syrian) that Merkel let in. I keep looking for signs of them or of trouble. So far all I see is a country that is working well.