Martin Luther and the Church

Martin Luther and his conflicts with the Church is something I have studied at length in my previous German courses. Every time I revisit this topic the same thing always sticks out to me; Martin Luther fought for Germans to have a personal relationship with God. He felt the Church was creating fear in order to secure more money for them to live in luxury. The Germans believed that their souls were in constant danger of going to Hell if they did not follow the ways and guidelines that the Church laid out for them. Every step of their lives were guided exactly how the Church wanted them to be and that included giving money to the Church. Germans at the time were incredibly superstitious and Martin Luther believed the Church exploited these superstitions for financial gain.

Before Martin Luther’s writings Germans believed they must fully follow the Church in order to reach salvation at the end of their lives. Luther believed quite the opposite. However, it is important to note that Luther was never against the Bible or God, only against the Church as a political structure.  When Luther translated the Bible from Latin to German that opened an entire new world to a majority of Germans who previously could not read the word of God for themselves. It allowed them to bring God into their homes in a more personal way than before. Germans could read the words and interpret on their own. Rather than have a clergy member give the Church’s interpretation of the word of God. The German’s began to find truth in what Luther was preaching and wanted to take the power for themselves. Why should one giant enterprise hold the power and strike fear into the hearts of its followers? The Germans were able to learn from their own readings of the Bible what they truly believed was right from the word of God.

Luther nailing the 95 Thesis
http://cdn.gospelherald.com/data/images/full/3982/image.jpg?w=720

Luther’s stand against the Church also served as a symbol of standing up against oppression. Germany was split into smaller principalities with many rulers ruling over the people of that land. Some rulers took care of their people while others took advantage of theirs. Taking all of the goods and wealth for themselves and leaving their people to live in horrible conditions. They used Martin Luther’s stand against the Church as motivation to stand up to the oppressive and unfair rulers. This led to numerous peasant uprisings throughout the country. Luther’s stand against the Church showed German’s that you can stand up to those above you; even if they are bigger, stronger, and scarier. If you have a noble cause then you have to stand up for yourself and what you believe is right.

An interpretation of Luther in Worms.
http://www.concordianews.org/kids/2009/reform/worms.jpg

The belief that one’s relationship with God is a personal one is a belief I hold very dear to my heart. I do not conform to the traditional ways of worships by attending Church regularly or discussing my faith with others. It is a personal relationship I keep to myself. Taking my own time to read scripture and praying is some of the most precious time that I have to myself. I do not feel that I need anyone to validate my relationship with God.