Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary

Luther believed that people can't earn their
way into heaven by giving money to the
Church, but by accepting Gods grace.

Germany’s cultural norms have been challenged by many great thinkers. One very influential person goes by the name of Martin Luther. By writing his ninety-five theses he had a great impact on the German-speaking world. Although he never intended to cause the revolution with the release of his beliefs, he forever changed the course of German history by taking a risk.

Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five these to the door of the Wittenberg church, publicly stating his arguments against the catholic church and firm beliefs that he believes they are unethical. He also used tools such as the printing press to spread his ideas to everyone, which according to the video Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary, was very similar to post something on the internet today, is was the fastest way to spread the word.

Martin Luther nailed his 95 these to the Wittenberg church door.
It listed 95 arguments up for debate about Church practices,
most importantly the sale of indulgence.
 

Luther didn’t expect the reaction that he received from his actions because he felt that he was just taking a stand for those that believed that same things he did, but wouldn’t stand up and say it alone. Most were angry with him for posting his ninety-five theses, but he did also receive support from some, shouting “Long live Luther.” A major supporter of his beliefs was Fredrick the Wise. He believed that Luther didn’t try to cause an uproar, he was only trying to share his beliefs to the people. By doing this Luther made people feel more comfortable with discussing their own beliefs on the corrupt Catholic religion.

Fredrick the Wise, Luther's
biggest supporter 

I find the Reformation to be a very interesting time in German history because I am Catholic but my mom is Lutheran. Attending CCD as a child I used to learn about it during class on Saturday’s. Luther changed the idea that Christians were only allowed to be Catholic. He didn’t want ones relationship to be something that you had to pay for and were forced to believe in. Luther believed that one’s relationship with God should be on a more personal and intimate level, not full of paying taxes for expenses such as parades and fancy amenities for the pope.

Luther eventually established his own Lutheran church with the support of the German princes. He gained their respect and support by translating the New Testament into German, making the scripture easily accessible to all. Without the work of Luther, our religious views would still be so narrowly focused and we would not have the religion diversity and acceptance for it as we do today. 

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