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

Martin Luther and the German Reformation - Essay Example d Though both these extracts logically defy the papal authority and power, yet the â€Å"Address to German Nobility† 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 two 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 fruit. He simply states that if belief is at right direction, then actions will also be accurate. However, the Church vehemently looks for good deeds to please the Lo rd, 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 faith 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, Luther’s straightforward and logical description is certainly convincing. e Every religion has described some specific code of life to lead a pious life, and if we revolt against the religious laws by observing the behaviour of our own choice, it will harm and hurt others physically and sentimentally. Consequently, Luther’s good work notion will also endanger law and order situation. (Answers): 3 a Since Christians have taken oath of doing good with the fellow-beings, killing and hurting others comes under the definitio n of forfeiting one’s body and soul. b The ruler’s not 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 God’s holy name as the most obnoxious 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 Christ’s teachings. Similarly, the rulers should be kind and sympathetic to the people 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 Luther’s reformation moveme nt launched in Germany during the early years of 16th century. These include â€Å"Luther’s Teachings – Luther and the German Reformation 1517-1555† by Keith Randell (1989) and â€Å"Progress of Reform-The Protestant Reformation in Europe† by Andrew Johnston (1991). Both these sources are secondary in nature, where Randell’s article has been created for Catholic priests and religious circles only, while the