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 papistical Catholic Church. Consequently, Luther was initially loyal to the papacy, and yet after many theological conflicts, he attempted to bring closely his reconciliation with the Church. But this was a paradox not to endure because in his later years, Luther waged a continual battle with the papacy. Luther was to become a prof of biblical exegesis at Wittenberg where, in 1957, he posted his critique of the roman type Catholic Churchs teachings and practices. This is otherwise 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, especially the widespread practice of selling indulgences in association with the sacrament of penance. Luthers beliefs on the matter was th at after confession, absolution relied upon the sinners faith and Gods Divine Grace kinda than the intervention of a priest.At this point, Luther did not advocate an actual dissolution from the Roman Catholic Church. Instead, Luther felt his suggested reforms York-3 could be implemented inside Catholicism. If this had interpreted place, the Protestant Reformation would probably not of ever seen the light of day--nor would it shed been necessary. But the theological practices being what they were in the Roman Church, there was subaltern chance at that time for any great variations to occur within its folds. The Church of Rome was thoroughly monolithic and set in its shipway 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 occupancy was cut out for him.Concerning Luther and the Reformation, Paul Tillich states The turning point of the Reformation and of church history in general is the experience of an Augustinian monk in his secluded cell--Martin Luther. Martin Luther did not merely teach different doctrines others had done 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 modify 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.