Martin Luther and the Origins of Reformation Summary

Martin Luther and the Origins of Reformation Video Summary Martin Luther was a German priest and professor. He was one of the most important Renaissance figures in history. Martin Luther was the leader of the Reformation. The Reformation was a religious movement that led to the birth of Protestantism. In the early 1500s, Luther was concerned about the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. In 1517, Martin Luther posted his ninety-five theses to the door of a Catholic church for everyone to view in Wittenberg, Germany. His ninety-five theses were his thoughts about the Catholic Church and its teachings. Martin Luther thought the Catholic Church’s practices went against Biblical teachings. His ninety-five theses question the church’s practice of indulgences. Indulgences were special pardons of the church’s sins which were sometimes granted by cash payments. Also, Luther believed that popes and church councils could and did make mistakes concerning religious matters. Martin Luther requested for reform but he was banned from the Catholic Church or excommunicated. Martin Luther was brought before clergy men and nobles in a cathedral located in Worms, Germany. They ordered him to take back his proposals for reform but Luther refused. Many people agreed with Luther’s beliefs and began to follow his teachings which resulted in the formation of Lutheranism and Calvinism. The Protestants refused to accept the pope as their leader. They focused on Biblical teachings and on having a closer relationship with God. In the later part of the Renaissance, the Protestant Movement was put under immense oppression in certain nations which led to immigration and was a major factor in several wars.