Andreas Bodenstein

By the time Luther arrived in Wittenberg in 1512, Karlstadt was a well respected theologian in the university. He had received a BA from Erfurt before he began his studies at Wittenberg. After acquiring his doctorate in 1510, he became professor of theology and the dean of the university. In 1515 Karlstadt left for Rome where he would receive doctorates in canon law and in civil law. Upon his return to Wittenberg in 1516 his colleagues were outraged because they believed he was only making a pilgrimage to Italy. His return also sparked a theological conflict with Luther. Although Karlstadt reconciled with Luther eventually, their relationship would be marred by theological controversy throughout their lives. Karlstadt was shocked at the reforms Luther had instituted in the curriculum at Wittenberg during his absence. Luther’s emphasis on Scripture and Augustine’s theology offended Karlstadt’s Thomistic training. However, Karlstadt heeded Luther’s challenge to read Augustine’s writings for himself rather than relying upon the misinterpretation of scholastic theologians. He soon discovered that Luther’s claim was accurate and thus a dramatic shift in his theology occurred. Although Karlstadt was convinced of Luther’s concept of justification by faith alone, he also had significant differences in the understanding of one’s life subsequence to justification. Rather than focusing on justification as an external forensic declaration of one’s righteousness before God, Karlstadt believed that justification also brings about an inner renewal of the individual that results in righteous living. His view would ultimately influence the Pietist movement movement. This significant divergence from Luther’s theology would later lead to conflict and ultimately they would become adversaries. --http://www.reformationhappens.com/people/karlstadt/

Andreas Rudolf Bodenstein, genannt Karlstadt (* um 1486 in Karlstadt; † 24. Dezember 1541 in Basel) war ein deutscher Reformator des 16. Jahrhunderts.

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andreas_Bodenstein