In Support of Reformation
What authority does the prince hold if ruled by a power other than god himself?In Martin Luther's writings "Against the Authority of the Catholic Church", he rejects the Popes claims that religious authority is superior to secular authority and provides the argument for Germany to support Lutheranism, therefore attempting to liberate Germany from certain loss of power. The pope uses fear to control, religion to manipulate and taxes to gain wealth, all at the expense of his followers. After examining the positive and negative effects of Luther's message, it is clear this newfound freedom will lift the compulsion of fear and oppression, and with this; personal salvation and an unlimited opportunity for wealth justify reforming Germany from Catholicism to Lutheranism. Using fear to control, the Pope realizes life for most is a dreary preparation for heaven. Exploiting this fact, the Pope has insisted the only acceptable way to be Christian is as part of the Roman Catholic Church, a Church that is funding itself by selling forgiveness for sins. By instituting, the selling of indulgences the church is preying on the fear that individuals will be doomed to suffer in Purgatory unless they have the good sense to redeem themselves th
As long as the truth is not known, we will remain subserviant to the powers of the Pope as he robs Germans with his unbearable taxes. To surrender to our fears, is to submit to the popes will, hence, the devils will. In his Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation, Luther suggests we should "First expel from all German lands the Pope's legates, with their faculties, which they sell for money, though it is all knavery-as, for instance, their taking money for making goods unlawfully acquired to be good, for freeing from oaths, vows, and bonds, thus destroying and teaching others to destroy truth and faith mutually pledged, saying the Pope has authority to do so". Although the lands and wealth of the Church will end up in the hands of nobility, the poor will not seem to benefit. Luther, a political conservative who is against civil disobedience, preaches the importance of living by the will of secular authority. Luther urges Germany to support an overturn of the power the landowning aristocracy and the Latin clergy have built on our good faith. Luther guides us by asking that we trust "in God's protection, as we ought to excommunicate him in return, and manage as best we can". This realization has caused the people of Germany to revolt against the Roman Church. "If hitherto the popes and Romanists have been able, with the devils help, to bring kings into conflict with each other, they will be able to do it again now, if we set forth without God's help, and armed only by the strength of our own strength and shrewdness". In uncertain times, the one true authority is God and the belief that he will be a guide when the backing of the Roman Catholic Church is no longer. Germany can trust in him to support any necessary actions taken against people who act in defiance. Luther denounces the Romanists for their involvement in politics as well as religion. Luther states, "The fact is that our baptism consecrates us all without exception, and makes us all priests". Continuing to will the land to monasteries and convents in return for prayers to speed through purgatory is no longer necessary.
Common topics in this essay:
Pandora's Box,
Catholic Church,
Nation Luther,
God's Word,
Moreover Luther,
Jesus Christ,
Church Roman,
Nevertheless Luther,
Northern Germany,
Martin Luther,
catholic church,
roman catholic church,
roman church,
martin luther,
roman catholic,
secular authority,
religious authority,
saying pope,
germany support,
authority luther,
luther teaches,
|
Acceptance Essays
