of every person is to fulfill (to the best of his/her ability) their tasks
             on earth. This unique conception of the word "calling" was developed by Luther during his
             first active decade as a reformer.
             At first he believed, like many other theologians, that everyday world activities
             were activities of the flesh. Although these activities were willed by God, they were
             nonetheless morally neutral. However, gradually Luther began to protest against the life of
             the monks. He criticized them as leading a life "devoid of value as a means of justification
             before God, but he also looks upon its renunciation of the duties of this world as a product
             of selfishness, withdrawing from temporal obligations." This was in direct contrast to the
             everyday labors of man. These worldly activities were outward expressions of man's love
             for others and for God. Thus, according to Luther, the only way to live up to the
             expectations God has for us is to fulfill our worldly duties. A very important point that
             Luther makes in reference to callings is that each calling has the same worth in the eyes of
             God. The effect of the Reformation that was initiated by Luther was that worldly labor
             was given religious sanction. This stands opposed to the Catholic tradition which did not
             give such worldly matters any moral emphasis. Luther stated that people may attain
             salvation in any walk of life. it did not matter what a person did during their lifetime as
             long as they worked as hard as possible. In hard work and dedication to one's calling,
             Before Luther professed these beliefs, people placed little emphasis on the daily
             tasks they had to complete. Jobs had little meaning except that they placed bread on the
             table to eat. However, with Luther's concept of the "calling" people now had a moral
             reasons to work as hard as they could. The jobs of people were given religious sanction
             and this lead to workers striving to attain more...