Martin Luther

Martin Luther without a doubt changed religion forever. Luther helped start a reformation that would change viewpoints across the world. He brought to life the idea that salvation could be derived from faith alone. At this time many Catholics believed that the sacramental system and doing "good works" will provide salvation. Luther argued against this. His viewpoint was that inner faith would provide salvation. Luther wanted to sit down and have a scholarly debate on the issue of faith. He wrote his arguments, which is called The Ninety-Five Theses, and set it on the door of the church in Wittenberg. The debate that he wanted to participate in never happened. Many Catholics were angry with the disbelief. Some people started to protest against the Catholic way of life. They became known as the "Protestants."

It is mind-boggling to me that the Christianity that we know today started out over a wanted debate. I wonder what would have happened if Luther sat down with a group of bishops, or even the pope, and discussed religion. If they had a scholarly debate on the topic, would we have Protestantism today? Who knows, Luther could have changed his beliefs and believed in Catholicism? Probably not, but who knows? Personally, I am a Protestant and I am glad that Martin Luther made his beliefs public. I believe that salvation is by faith and not through "good works." I think that studying the Protestant Reformation and all of the religious reforms are very sensitive subjects. Many people only want to hear what they believe. For me, studying the Protestant Reformation made me think, "What If?" What if believing in Catholicism is needed for salvation? What if the seven sacramental system is needed in order for salvation? Understanding other viewpoints makes one open their eyes and see what else is out there. Understanding other ideas can also strengthen one's own beliefs. I believe that Martin Luther made Catholicism stronger. The challenges that Martin Luther made were directed at the Catholic Church. Many devoted Catholics stood up for what they believed in. It made them stronger in their faith. By standing up for their beliefs, it made Catholics more convicted in Catholicism. I believe that we will not fully know the answer to what religion is "right" while we are here on Earth. It is up to what you believe and how convicted you are in those beliefs.