American History

In the time period between 1302 to 1815 in Western civilization, Martin Luther
had an incredible influence on the course of events. His primary influence was during the
period of the Reformation, which was between the years of 1521 to 1532. Starting as a
monk in the Augustinian order, Luther showed an early aptitude for studying and
interpreting scriptures from the early Latin and Greek versions of the Bible.

Putting his past education to use, he began to question many of the basic tenets of the
Catholic Church, which was a major force in European civilization at the time. He wrote
many works in regards to the abuses that he saw in the church, including the selling of
indulgences, charging to see relics of saints along with not allowing most of the clergy
or their church members to read and interpret the Bible for themselves (Friedenthal,
1970).

He attacked these abuses not only in writing, but also in his sermons and his
lectures at the university in Wittenberg, Germany where he taught theology. The genius
of Luthers written works was that they were done in German, which made them
accessible to the average person. If he had written in Latin, which was the language of the
church, then his influence would not have been as widespread. His teachings and other
protests drew the attention of the Inquisition and also helped to spark off a storm that had
been brewing in Germany for a long time.

The storm turned into the Reformation, which brought about sweeping changes in
religion, mans view on faith and opened up interpretation of the Bible to a wider
audience. Also, at this time, Luther translated the Bible into the German language. This
act alone had an enormous influence on Western civilization. Now, the Bible was
available to any who could read and have access to it. His translation also had an
enormous influence on the German language as it is spoken and written today.

The Reformation altered the power structure that was present in Europe at the
time by undermining the considerable influence that the Vatican had not only in
Germany, but also in others as the movement spread. The church carried considerable
influence not only in religion, but also in several of the worlds monarchies, banking,
commerce and in regional affairs. With the new movement to reform the church, many
new groups were breaking away and forming their own church (Friedenthal, 1970).

The ripples from the rock that Luther threw into the pond spanned out across
Europe as the Reformation took hold. Even though many had attempted to outlaw and
destroy Luthers writing, copies of his works were reprinted and were easily available to
the general public. His ideas also still ring today in the church founded in his name and in
the spirit of change that pervades within religion and government (Friedenthal, 1970).

The loss of power in many aspects to the church altered the power structure
they have been present for centuries in Europe. What began in Germany soon caused
problems for monarchies in neighboring countries. The interior structure of the Vatican
and the church were also affected as abuses were brought to the surface and the many
faithful began to demand that they be addressed. There were few aspects of society that
escaped the influence of Martin Luther and the Reformation (Friedenthal, 1970).

Between his translation of the Bible into German, his stand against church abuses
and his timing in doing so was essential in setting off the Reformation. These things
helped to begin a process of change that had been waiting to happen within Western
civilization. The effects of his work and ideals are still with us today in a variety of
institutions and aspects of modern society.