July 1519

The Leipzig Disputation between Luther and Eck

In July 1519 at Leipzig, Luther and his colleague Karlstadt disputed with the Catholic theologian Johann Eck. Skilfully steering the debate, Eck forced Luther to concede that a general council could err and that the authority of Scripture stood above popes and councils. Luther also conceded that some of Jan Hus's condemned views were correct.

Eck accused Luther of Hussitism and declared himself the victor. The dispute carried Luther's ideas far beyond the university and drew wide attention, including from the humanists.