Questions for the Diet of Hanover

In preparation for the Diet of Hanover (Tuesday, May 21, 2019, in class), please read “Failure at Regensburg: The Protestant Reformation and the Perils of Rationalism Download Failure at Regensburg: The Protestant Reformation and the Perils of Rationalism

,” a disputation by Randall Balmer (John Phillips Professor in Religion; Chair, Department of Religion; and Director, Society of Fellows at Dartmouth College). In his disputation, Dr. Balmer puts forth claims worthy of debate and discussion.

You are asked to do two things.

1. For the diet itself, you are to bring no fewer than five questions to put to Dr. Balmer, asking him to explain and defend his claims. In addition to his talk, you may draw upon readings done for the class, class lectures and discussions, and general European history. Please refrain from using popular media or insider knowledge (e.g., stuff you know from going to church yourself, impressions you have about Christians, etc.) for your questions. You will be called upon at some point to ask one of your questions. (The reason why you need to prepare no fewer than five questions is because someone may ask one of your questions before you get a chance to query Dr. Balmer.)
2. After the diet, you are asked to submit your questions (both the one asked and the others) as well as your verdict as to how Dr. Balmer acquitted himself in defending his position. If appropriate, you may also recommend action that should be taken, either by Dr. Balmer or by the other participants in the diet. Your questions and verdict are due by the end of the day on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.