Martin Luther revolutionized the protestant reformation in northern Europe by his strong stance on religious laity and authority, and because of his radical ideals, a certain amount of political support ensued.
I. Background of Martin Luther
a. An earnest monk until the age of about forty
b. Terrified by the thought of the awful omnipotence of God, his own littleness, apprehension of the devil and chronic damnation
c. Professor at Wittenberg until he was moved by a friar named Tetzel
i. Tetzel travelled across Germany distributing indulgences- claiming that they would free people from punishments in purgatory
ii. The indulgences went toward financing the building of St. Peter’s in Rome
d. Published his 95 theses on the door of the castle church at Wittenburg
e. Appealed to Leo X, but Luther was excommunicated – however his life was spared because the Elector of Saxony and other North German princes took him under their protection
f. Began translating the Bible into German
II. Position on Religious Authority
a. Essentially he believed that Religion should be open to interpretation
b. Cannot be taught by one person or a clergy because each person has the right to interpret and act on the Bible as they will
c. Denounced pilgrimages, fasts, Masses – praised baptism and communion only
III. Political Support
a. Many kings and nobles of Germany followed the teachings of Luther but actually caused much national upheaval all over Germany and in different social groups
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