Martin Luther’s Reformation

Aidan O’Brien

Period D

11/21/16

Martin Luther’s Reformation

Part I

At end of the 15th century in Europe, during the height of the Roman Catholic Church, a seed was planted that blossomed into freedom of religion, even to this day. The Church controlled all aspects of society including eternal salvation. With this power came greed, abuse and selfish rule. More specifically, around early 16th century, there ¬was corruption that led to increasing separation between the church leaders and the common man. One man, a true Renaissance man, stood up for the people’s rights with the support of his followers. Martin Luther was a Protestant during this time period and disagreed with many of the teachings and actions of the Roman Catholic Church. Martin Luther and many others organized and protested against the Church and their abuse of power and trust. His attempt to reform the church was successful in many ways after a time period of displeasure and frustration towards the Church. The actions of Martin Luther, in the year 1517, were the culmination of a century and a half of dissatisfaction and criticism of the Roman Catholic Church.

Martin Luther was a monk who strongly believed in the readings and teachings of the Bible. Luther also strongly disputed that forgiveness for sins could not be purchased which was contrary to the Church’s teachings. In 1517, Luther decided to take a public stand against the actions of the Church by writing and posting the 95 theses. The 95 theses were complaints or formal statements criticizing many practices of the Church, most importantly, salvation in exchange for currency. In document 8, it states an argument on the selling of indulgences, “(21) Thus the preachers of indulgences are in error who say that by the indulgences of the pope a man is freed and saved from all punishment” (Document 8). The church was selling indulgences which were a pardon; the church was making people believe you could buy your way out of purgatory and into heaven. Martin Luther did not believe in the false selling of indulgences and lobbied to put a stop to it by educating the people of the true meaning of the Bible. In document 5, it states that “The first Grace is the complete remission of all sins: and nothing greater than this can be named, since man, who lives in sin and forfeits the favor of God, obtains complete remission by these means and once more enjoys God's favor” (Document 5). Luther believed people could win salvation only by faith in God’s gift or forgiveness. His main idea was that one can be saved by being a morally good person and building a direct relationship with God through personal faith. The Church was profiting so much from the people’s fear of not going to heaven that some religious figures became increasingly corrupt in interest of self-gain. Luther’s message hit a nerve with the common people and governments that feared the Church’s supreme power in Europe. Martin Luther’s complaints about false teachings were printed and began to quickly spread. His writings began the reformation of the Church which turned into a religious movement.

Martin Luther wanted a full reform of the Church. During this time period, the Church influenced all aspects of life regardless of political borders. The social climate was changing to embrace humanism and the free thinkers spread the idea of separation of church and state with help of the printing press. Majority of the leaders perceived the pope as an outsider imposing taxes to those the Church had no control over. The Church’s enormous wealth was seen as a result of misguidance and greed. Given these factors, this was a perfect time for religious revolution towards freedom from the Church’s improper practices. Protestants also pointed out that the popes did not value the arts and spent large amounts of money on themselves. Protestants before Martin noticed the corruption even 200 years before. Many monks and priests were not educated enough to read. They also broke priestly views by drinking, gambling some even marrying. In the 1370’s a church protestant John Wycliffe noticed the arrogance of the Catholic Church. “We should put on the armor of Christ; Antichrist has turned his clerks to covetousness and worldly love” (Document 1). The church continually came under scrutiny for corruption and abusing their power. Merchants and others were growing resentful of the taxes they had to pay to the Church. Martin’s teachings provided justification for the people to be equal in the eyes of God and the Church is not the only bridge between humans and the divine. The movement’s success was difficult due to the heavy influence of the Church had which was in place for centuries before.

Part II

Century and a half of dissatisfaction from Church’s monopoly on salvation and criticism to common Church practices led to Martin Luther’s writing of the 95 theses. The reformation is somewhat successful in many ways. To