Christian Church Reform of the 16th Century

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Martin Luther's contributions to the Reformation were many, but it was his acknowledgment of the Church's greed that truly seemed to prompt him to revolution. The paper further explains that one of the most critical acts of the Christian Church Reform of the 16th century was Martin Luther's publication of his Ninety-Five Theses. The paper also examines Luther's background and explains how this background made him take sides against the Church and, instead, side with the ranks of the majority of peasants who were being forced to pay for their sins or else face eternal damnation. Finally, the paper asserts that Luther's eventual condemnation of the Church's practice of selling indulgences forged the very soul of the Reformation and prompted the spread of the revolution throughout Europe.

From the Paper:

"On November 10, 1483, Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, a Saxon province of Germany, to a poor family of peasants. Luther's father was a copper miner who supported eight children working in the nearby mines of Mansfield. Luther managed to receive a decent primary and secondary education before enrolling at the University of Erfurt to study law. In 1505, Luther abruptly abandoned his master's degree and enrolled in an Augustinian monastery. Although he was reticent to explain why he had made this decision, the sudden death of a close friend (who was struck down by lightning while they were taking a walk) led him to consider the transitory nature of life. Because of this, Luther began to give himself over to more spiritual commitments."

More papers on Christian Church Reform of the 16th Century:

• Cause and Effect Essay # 119978 : "Religion in Europe in the 16th Century"
• Comparison Essay # 113595 : "Great Muslim Empires of the 16th Century"
• Analytical Essay # 65822 : "The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: