“Invectivity” and Theology: Martin Luther’s Ad librum Ambrosii Catharini (1521) in Context

Abstract Luther’s treatise is presented as an answer to attacks from the Italian Dominican Ambrosius Catharinus. The language is highly invective, and Luther’s argument culminates in a comprehensive biblical verification of a terrifying truth: that the pope is the Antichrist foreseen in several biblical texts. The papal Curia is part of the Antichrist’s realm. Relating to Heiko Oberman’s thoughts on the theological roots of Luther’s “invectivity,” the article offers a closer look into Luther’s radically offensive language in his early years, arguing that it was closely linked to his central theological convictions at least since 1520/21.