Martin Luther and the German Reformation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Martin Luther and the German Reformation - Essay Exampled Though both these extracts logically defy the papal authority and power, yet the Address to German gentry is more sonorous in tone and diction, and sarcastically condemns the ways adopted and observed by the clergy, in comparison with the Captivity of the Church. e Since Luther witnessed the division of the Christian community into the clergy, the nobility and the peasantry, where the former devil groups were exploiting the later, so declaring every Christian was extremely essential to eliminate class discrimination from the religion. (Answers) 2 a By justification, Luther simply means the criteria applied by the pope and priests to estimate the character and deeds of ordinary Christians, though Luther views it as entirely a private subject. b Luther symbolises belief with tree, and actions with harvest-feast. He simply states that if belief is at right direction, then actions will too be accurate. However, the Church vehe mently looks for good deeds to delight the Lord, which is in contrast to the Lutheran teachings. c Luther has selected trees and fruits in order to explain the intention and action. He supports assurance in comparison to acts, and views faith far more sublime than behaviour. Trees are symbol of origin, while fruit represents actions, so Luther applies these concepts to clarify his point. d Since explaining different things with the help of examples, symbols and signs is helpful in making things clear, Luthers unprejudiced and logical description is certainly convincing. e Every religion has described some specific scratch of life to lead a pious life, and if we revolt against the spiritual laws by observing the behaviour of our throw choice, it will harm and hurt others physically and sentimentally. Consequently, Luthers good work nonion will also endanger law and order situation. (Answers) 3 a Since Christians have taken oath of doing good with the fellow-beings, cleanup sp ot and hurting others comes under the definition of forfeiting ones body and soul. b The rulers non tolerating the Gospel even means that even a ruler is going against the Biblical teachings he should not be attacked, revolted or killed. c Luther views slandering of Gods holy name as the most offensive act, which has been turned down with greatest displeasure by him. d Luther preaches the subjects to be loyal and obedient to the rulers at any cast, as it is the essential element of Christs teachings. Similarly, the rulers should be kind and sympathetic to the hatful to please the Lord. Somehow, he lays stress on the subjects to remain complying to the commands and orders of the rulers. e The tone of these extracts appears to be sad, gloomy and distressing, as Luther condemns the desecration of churches and monasteries, as well as the burning and killing of the fellow-beings. TASK-II The present paper aims to analyse two 20th century secondary sources related to Luthers reformatio n movement launched in Germany during the early days of 16th century. These include Luthers Teachings Luther and the German Reformation 1517-1555 by Keith Randell (1989) and Progress of Reform-The Protestant Reformation in Europe by Andrew Johnston (1991). Both these sources are secondary in nature, where Randells article has been created for Catholic priests and religious circles only, while the