Martin Luther :: Reformation Christianity Religion Protestantism

Martin LutherThis essay is concerned with Martin Luther (1483-1546), and his concept of Christianity. Luther began his ecclesiastical career as an Augustinian Monk in the roman Catholic Church. Consequently, Luther was initially loyal to the papacy, and change surface after many theological conflicts, he attempted to bring about his reconciliation with the Church. But this was a paradox non to endure because in his subsequently years, Luther waged a continual battle with the papacy. Luther was to become a professor of biblical exegesis at Wittenberg where, in 1957, he posted his critique of the Roman Catholic Churchs teachings and practices. This is other than known as The Ninety-Five Theses, which is usually considered to be the original document of the Reformation. Basically, this document was an indictment of the venality of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly the widespread practice of merchandising indulgences in association with the sacrament of penance. Luthers beliefs on the matter was that after confession, absolution relied upon the sinners faith and Gods Divine Grace rather than the intervention of a priest.At this point, Luther did not advocate an actual separation from the Roman Catholic Church. Instead, Luther felt his suggested reforms York-3 could be implemented within Catholicism. If this had taken place, the Protestant Reformation would probably not of forever seen the light of day--nor would it have been necessary. But the theological practices being what they were in the Roman Church, there was little chance at that time for any great variations to carry on within its folds. The Church of Rome was thoroughly monolithic and set in its ways and was not about to mutate into something else. If a metamorphosis had occurred within the Roman Catholic Church, Luther would have had a different destiny. But Luthers fate was sealed, and his job was cut out for him.Concerning Luther and the Reformation, Paul Tillich states The turning point of the Reformation and of church fib in general is the experience of an Augustinian monk in his monastic cell--Martin Luther. Martin Luther did not merely teach different doctrines others had d unitary that also, such as Wyclif. But none of the others who protested against the Roman system were able to break through it. The only man who really made a breakthrough, and whose breakthrough has transformed the surface of the earth, was Martin Luther. . . . He is one of the few great prophets of the Christian Church, and his greatness is overwhelming, even if it was limited by some of his personal traits and his later development.