Page "Johann Eck" Paragraph 11

Despite the fact that Eck was thus virtually forced to abandon his position, he succeeded, through his good memory and his dialectic skill, in confusing the heavy-witted Karlstadt and carried off the nominal victory.

He was far less successful against Luther, who, as Eck himself confessed, was his superior in memory, acumen, and learning.

After a disputation on the absolute supremacy of the papacy, purgatory, penance, etc., lasting twenty-three days ( 4 July – 27 July ), the arbitrators declined to give a verdict.

He did succeed in making Luther admit that there was some truth in the Hussite opinions and declare himself against the pope, but this success only embittered his animosity against his opponents, and from that time his whole efforts were devoted to Luther's overthrow.

Eck also forced Luther to declare that Ecumenical Councils were sometimes errant, as in the case when Konstance ( 1414 – 1418 ) condemned Hus ( 1415 ).

Luther now effectively denied the authority of both pope and council.

Eck was greeted as victor by the theologians of the University of Leipzig, who overwhelmed him with honors and sent him away with gifts.