Luther & the Reformation

Martin Luther got really lucky. Many other reformers were killed under orders from the Pope. But Luther:

·       Had a sympathetic lord (Frederick the Wise of Saxony) who hid him from those who would kill him

·       Began writing at the time of the new printing press, putting copies of his writings out to the multitudes—gaining support (and enemies) across Europe

Luther published his works at a time when the people were ripe for change—economic, scientific, and political.

However, he loved the Church. He didn’t intend to break from it. He wanted to make it better. He began by giving the Pope and ‘out,’ trying to describe him as not realizing what was going on in the Church beyond Rome. But his words and ideas defied the Pope’s rule, and that’s what got him excommunicated (kicked out of the church, and therefore, salvation). In addition, those who challenged Luther called his followers ugly names…like “Lutherans.”

Discuss

The Church believed: “Outside of the Church, there is no salvation.”

Luther countered: “Outside of Christ, there is no salvation.”

How would you describe the difference?

Watch: “Luther and the Protestant Reformation: Crash Course World History, #218”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o8oIELbNxE

(Not everything the narrator says is accurate in terms of Luther’s actions and beliefs, but the scope of the presentation is historically very valuable.)

Read: Acts 9:1-19

Luther related well to Paul, whose understanding of God’s Word changed drastically. Do you think Luther was right in challenging the Church and translating the Bible? Why or why not?