Role of Martin Luther in Reformation Movement? Write about Martin Luther and his teachings?

 

 

Question: Role of Martin Luther in Reformation Movement? Write about Martin Luther and his teachings?

 

Answer: Feudalism had its strong foundation in conservative and superstitious religious beliefs. Roman Catholic Church had its own army and it was supported by Feudal Lords. In such situation Martin Luther risked his life for enlightening the people.

During medieval period the efforts to remove superstitious and ill traditions from Christianity are known as Reformation Movement. Freeing of Europe from the evil clutches of Roman Catholic Church is considered as the beginning of modern age.

Life of Martin Luther (1483-1543):

Martin Luther was born on 10-11-1483 in Saxony, Germany, in a poor family. Hans and Margaret Luther are his parents. In the year 1522, Martin Luther married Catherine Von Bora. See took care of everything from the limited money provided by Martin Luther and never complained about anything. Due to the support given by her, Martin Luther could concentrate fully on his mission. In a letter written to his friend Martin Luther extolled her. He wrote “there is no great relation than his married life with Catherine Von Bora. Getting separated from her is not less than hell”.

Luther praised the institution of marriage as a school which teaches noble things like family life, generosity, and patience.

Witten Burg praised her as the “Morning Star”. Catherina Von Bora used to start her duties early in the morning every day.

Luther studied Law and Christian education from Oxford University. Martin Luther was man of perseverance with great intellect and independent thinking. In 1505 he joined Augustus Association and in 1508 he joined in Wittenberg University as a lecturer in Christian Theology. He had the impact of Saint Paul and Saint Augustus writings on him. 

Result of Luther’s visit to Rome:

Luther visited Rome in the year 1511 A.D. Luther had seen the corrupt practices of Roman Catholic Church authorities, their negligence and luxurious life and felt the need for immediate reformation of the Christianity.

 

 

Theories of Luther:

Martin Luther propagated a new ideology against the ill practices of Roman Catholic Church. His ideas took the shape of Protestantism.

1. Martin Luther replaced Latin with German in Church.

2. Bishops should not be appointed on hereditary basis.

3. Bishops need not to practice celibacy. He suggested them to get married.

4. A Christian need not to offer prayer to God five time a day.

5. Instead of seven sacraments Luther preferred only two sacraments. Baptism and Eucharist.

6. Luther criticized the sale of indulgence papers. He opined that only belief in God is enough to attain salvation.

7. Church should be controlled by the State.

8. Christians should rely on Bible not on the words of Pope. Bible is the authentic source to know Christianity and to become closer to God.

The common people, kings, and nobles who were vexed with the corrupt practices of the Pope supported Luther.

Luther’s Pamphlets:

Luther urged for the cooperation of Germans to free Germany from the clutches of Catholic Church. To achieve his aim and to bring awareness among the Germans Luther published pamphlets.

            A. Message to German Aristocracy: In this pamphlet Luther urged the nobles to confiscate church lands to free Germany from the clutches of Roman Catholic Church Pope.

            2. God’s Church is in captivity in Babylonia: In this pamphlet Luther criticized the authority of Church officials and seven sacraments.

            3. Christian Freedom: In this pamphlet Luther explained new ways to attain salvation.

Boycott of Imperial Diet: At this juncture, Pope Leo X ordered Martin Luther to withdraw his pamphlets. As Luther paid deaf ear, in 1521, Pope Leo X boycotted Luther from Church.

At the same time King Charles V ordered Luther to be present before imperial diet, which was located in Worms, and either to withdraw his pamphlets or reaffirm them. Here also Luther was banned by the Church. Elector, Ruler of Saxony, offered shelter to Luther. Luther lived in Wartburg Fort with the name Night George. Luther used the time for translation of Bible from Latin to German.

Revolt of Farmers: The farmers impressed by the preaching of Luther, revolted against feudal lords between 1524 - 1526. Luther thought that this revolt may deviate people from reformation and brings disgrace to it. Luther requested the King of Germany to suppress the revolt. King Charles V ruthlessly suppressed the revolt. As a result of this, farmers started following Roman Catholic Church. With this all over the Europe, Christianity was divided into Catholic and Protestant religions.

Protestants: The followers of Martin Luther are called ‘Protestants’.

Philip Melanchthon, friend of Martin Luther, tried for amicable relations between Martin Luther and Church. His efforts were not accepted by the Augsburg parliament (1526), but Luther and Church accepted it.  He was the first systematic preacher of Lutheranism.

Conclusion: Due to reformation movement, Luther’s ideas were started to be followed all over the Europe. In 1545, at Trent Council Meeting, Luther released a pamphlet which termed Roman Pope institution as devilish. This was the biggest ever attack on the Catholic Church by any protestor. In his writings Luther described Pope, Bishop and Cardinals as devils. Luther also said “God would follow you. God would curse Pope”.

On 18 February 1546, Martin Luther died of cardiac arrest. Even during his last days, till his death, Luther wrote at least 10 letters a day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emergence of Nation States – Causes – Spain – Charles V; England – Henry VIII - Glorious Revolution (1688); France under Bourbons – Louis XIV; Era of Enlightened Despotism – Peter the Great and his Policies – Frederick the Great and his Achievements.