Martin Luther's Influence

Term Paper # 108628

History > Religion

An overview of Martin Luther's influence.

1,776 words () | 7 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper provides an explanation of how Martin Luther's ideas influenced the progress of society when he challenged the role of the Catholic church.

From the Paper:

"During the period of the Middle Ages in Europe, Catholicism was one of the main European religions. But this does not mean that all of these various countries practiced Catholicism in the same way. Since the very start of Christianity, many different people have interpreted Christian books and teachings in many different ways. This is why there has never been a sustained and unified church that is simply called Christian. People have always been seeing the religion in different ways, and this has made them make a lot of different churches and systems. These institutions have changed over time, even though a lot of them have always told people that they were timeless places of worship.
The outside forces of society have had an impact on churches in general, though, and especially when the means of government is united with the church, it is easy for the church to change under the pressure of current events. Catholicism in the Middle Ages was united with politics, like most religions are, and this made it no different: it was able to be changed and really it had to change to keep up with the times. Luther provided the catalyst for one of these times, because he essentially ushered in a new era for the church and its members."

Sample of Sources Used:

Hendel, K. "Two Reformers: Martin Luther and Mary Daly as Political Theologians." Currents in Theology and Missions, 2007.
Nicholas, David. The Transformation of Europe, 1300-1600. New York: Oxford, 1999.
Luther, Dr. Martin. "Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences." Works of Martin Luther. Trans. Adolph Spayeth, et al. Philadelphia: AJ Holman, 1915.
Lehmenn, H. "Martin Luther as Prophet, Teacher, and Hero: Images of the Reformer, 1520-1620." Texts and Studies in Reformation and Post-Reformation, 2001.
Robert, A. "Reclaiming our Roots." Church History, 2002.