Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary

Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary

Martin Luther, was he a true reluctant revolutionary, or just a man with a plan to spread God’s word? After watching, Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary, I believe that the answer could be both. He is fundamentally known for posting his 95 Theses in Germany, outwardly saying that there are multiple things wrong with the church. For German-speaking lands, this is a monumental event because most, if not all, German-speaking lands are under the religious/political rule of the Holy Roman Empire, as there was no real separation between church and state. Martin Luther sparked a small fire that burned into a revolution against the rule of the Holy Roman Empire, and for this, he could be considered the most influential man of his time, culturally, politically, and religiously.

At first, Martin Luther noticed many wrongdoings being committed by the church. Rather than having people read the bible and follow the word of God, the church had decided that religious figures would make rules in this life and determine where people would go in the afterlife. Of course, Martin Luther, a monk, would not believe or stand for this. For these and many other reasons, he decided to post his 95 Theses stating what was wrong with the church, so that others would be informed of the wrongs that he sees. As heresy, of course, that started a small uprising, but this did not stop him from publishing his works for the population to read, he never faltered from his works, as he trusted his life and his actions in God. He was excommunicated because of his actions and disregarded all threats and actions from the Pope. His words of revolution against the church spoke to many people who were truly unaware of what the bible actually said, like how salvation was achieved through faith and not through the affiliation of a Pope. Not only did he shift from Catholicism and create a new, more spiritual way of religion, he even transcribed the bible later on in his life, so that even more people could understand his teachings. Essentially, he changed the ideas of religion. After all, religion should not be about what you can establish for the Pope or for other leaders; it is the relationship with God that is important for Christianity. By this, he did not seek to be a radical, but he was brave enough to speak out against the biggest force of his time, to do what he thought was right.

This movement began religiously, but of course, politics found a way in it. This was hard to avoid because the Holy Roman Empire was both a political and religious force. What Martin Luther proposed was more democracy in religion and in government, as he thought the two should be separate, unlike what was happening in the Holy Roman Empire at the time. He did not want the church to have power over most things in life, but most importantly, people. He even seemed to find connections through his teachings, politically. Frederick the Wise, a prince, seemed to make the political deals for Luther on his behalf, even saving his life against those who felt threatened by him and his work. Even at the Diet of Worms, Luther was tried for his works and stood up for them in a democratic fashion, because of what he believed and he had the ability to stand by his beliefs; this is just a glimpse of actual religious freedom, a strong political and religious occurrence. Overall because of Luther, Germany could find a way to become Germany, and no longer be a division of the Holy Roman Empire. Although, Martin Luther did not intend to be a political figure, the role came naturally with his rebellion against the religious aspects of life back then.

Like it was previously mentioned, Martin Luther reached out to many others through his writings and transcribes of the bible. To some, the information published may have come as a shock, and they could have made people feel like they had been tricked and lied to, and that would have fueled some anger in them. Some behaviors displayed after information and revolution had been spread; the culture was affected by having more of a democratic lifestyle. People could now read the bible as they had the opportunity to, and they did not have to listen to such a harsh government anymore, as people would go against the Holy Roman Empire as well and even destroy properties like churches. People were becoming a part of a revolution that would create a new, more free Germany, and that is somewhat attributed directly to Martin Luther’s thoughts and actions.

Martin Luther may have been a ‘reluctant revolutionary,’ but he was also a man who sought to bring light into the world through his theses, published works, and his thoughts against a corrupt, unified Holy Roman Empire. He had a bigger vision for himself and Germany, which included a higher form of democracy, even if it caused some form of revolution from himself and his country. Because of his ideas about a more God-centered religion, he created a way for Germany to stand alone and not be a part of the Holy Roman Empire, which helped Germany become a strong, model country through changes in religion, politics, and culture.

Word Count (before pictures): 889

A photo depiction of what it would have looked like when Martin Luther was displaying his revolutionary 95 Theses. 

In the video, we saw a replication of the Diet of Worms, where many people and leaders met to discuss Martin Luther's future and if he would have one.

The room in the Wartburg Castle where Martin Luther transcribed the bible. 

Citations: 

"Luther’s 95 Theses: An Interview with Carl Trueman." Justin Taylor Luthers 95 Theses An Interview with Carl Trueman Comments. Web. 9 Sept. 2014. http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/10/25/95-theses/

PBS. “Reluctant Revolutionary.” YouTube. YouTube, 30 March 2009. Web. 09 September 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni1gupkGAW0

Pettegree, Andrew. "The Execution of Martin Luther." History Today. Web. 9 Sept. 2014. http://www.historytoday.com/andrew-pettegree/execution-martin-luther

"Wartburg Castle - World Heritage in Thuringia." Wartburg Castle, Pictures Wartburg. Web. 9 Sept. 2014. http://www.germanplaces.com/germany/wartburg-castle.html