Reformation

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The Success of the Reformation in Germany

Disputatio pro declaratione virtutis indulgentiaru...

Martin Luther, commemorated on February 18 Evangel...

Luther Bible, 1534

The Religious Reformation in Europe (1517-1530) initiated by Martin Luther succeeded for many political, social, and economic reasons. Because Europe was at its peak during the Renaissance [meaning "rebirth" or "revival"] this helped Luther to gain supporters and followers because he questioned the veracity of the Roman Catholic Church which was soon discovered to be corrupt. During the time of the Renaissance, Luther's ideas were considered revolutionary because his questioning of the Roman Catholic Church had more reasonable proof of their corruption than the Church themselves could prove wrong. His ideas changed the way the people thought leading them away from the blind acceptance the Catholic Church's views on religion, and into a more modern and valid way of practicing their faith.� As well, with the assistance of the newly invented Printing Press that was made by Johannes Gutenberg�, this helped the spread of Luther's 95 Theses. Luther wrote this stating his beliefs against the practice of selling indulgences, and also that the right path to salvation can only be obtained through faith alone, and not through the works of priests.ii The 95 Theses was originally written in Latin and with the help of the printing press had reached all over Europe where it was translated and distributed. Luther also received human support by other reformers, princes and many other authoritative people which elevated his "popularity" within Europe. Another reason for Luther's success was because of his attack towards the practices of the Church which were already regarded with contempt by the people. Specifically, Luther gained many followers from his attack towards the exploitation of German by the Italians. Through these multiple actions taken by Luther and others, this led to the success of...