Martin Luther

Castle door where the 95 Theses can be found in bronze.

Martin Luther stood up for what he believed in. He continually fought against the Pope, and made many claims, such as all the Germans’ money is going towards all of the attendants whom follow the Pope as he parades around the streets. He did not like the way the church and the Pope were controlling the Germans.

            Luther was condemned to a future of the most horrendous tortures and was threatened to be executed by burning, yet he still wrote and circulated him opinions to his fellow members of society. He even said that those of the present day did not agree with him, but he kept writing for future generations, which have the most power in my opinion. Changing the minds of future generations is what brings about social change, because they hear about and read about the social injustices brought about by the church and Pope from such a early age that it has a greater impact than trying to change the minds of those who have lived with these injustices and have grown accustom to over their lifetime. Those of the present are too brainwashed and comfortable with how their lives are progressing that they don’t dare try and change anything.

Martin Luther caught a few lucky breaks such as the printing press coming about in order for him to spread his word faster than it could be burned. Also, Frederick the Wise protected Luther, because Luther was teaching at Wittenberg and bringing followers to this small university. While he found much resistance, he still gained followers in his writings. The way he wrote seemed refreshing. Just with what was read aloud in the videos, it was probably different than what many heard on a daily basis. I feel like he was straight to the point and didn’t bullshit everyone or come up with excuses. He told it like it was and was willing to die for what he believed in. I feel as though some of that carried over into life today in Germany, because many are straight to the point and say what they mean, instead of trying to be passive aggressively nice about something. I also feel as though the need to stop social injustice has carried into modern day life in Germany as well. They don’t put up with things that aren’t right.

The Wartburg Castle where Luther sought refuge from Frederick the Wise

Martin Luther, the man himself!

While many thought what Luther was writing was crazy, Luther actually followed closely to what the Bible said for the most part. Luther honestly though he was dealing with the Antichrist and that it had to be stopped. He had perseverance, which is an important quality to have while trying to change society. Martin Luther had a huge impact on Germany, and his writing for future generations helped bring about a change in the church and with the Pope that impacted Germany forever. His ideals carried onto many individuals such as Calvin and even the Pilgrims who came to America and founded a society based on religious freedom. He was so important that many places of interest pertaining to Luther can be found and visited.

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