Martin Luther

Martin Luther

Culture:  Luther believed that “to build you have to demolish.”  He believed that to change the people to see the wrong doings of the Catholic Church, he had to attack the 7 sacraments: baptism, eucharis, reconciliation, confirmation, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick.  Luther tried to make people understand that the Bible only mentions two: baptism and The Lords Supper.  Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and France soon followed Luther’s beliefs. When Luther was invited by Charles to speak at the most influential gathering in Europe, he saw how much his work was appreciated. He was approached on his cart and given gifts and was told not to attend for fear of his death.

Castle in Wittenberg where Luther posted his 95 Theses

Political: The more the church tried to silence him the more he wanted to be heard.  He published his writings into books that were readily available to the public so his ideas could spread.  He tried to get people to see that the money they were giving to Rome was going to the Pope and having him carried around instead of more important causes.  This was not what the people wanted their money put to thus helping add flame to the fire.



Luther's 95 Theses

 Religious Revolution: 95 Theses attacked higher up authorities showing them that they are doing wrong and that there does not need to be a middle man between the people and God.  His theses also attacked the Pope and the church at the time when they were telling the people what they had to do to be saved and end up in heaven.   Luther did not believe that the church should be able to take advantage of people by doing this.   Luther refused to dissolve his 95 Theses and when he was unimpressed by the Cardinal sent by the pope he was charged with heresy  This idea eventually fell through when people on the committee believed in his beliefs and wanted to see where he could go with them.

How/Why was Luther important to German-speaking lands: Luther is so important to the Germans because he translated the Bible into German.  Now the people of Germany could see, and try to understand, what the priests were saying.  This also helped Luther by showing the people that the 95 Thesis were valid points and should be followed.