Reformation A.D. 1521
Although more people and nations were ultimately involved in the Protestant Reformation than Martin Luther and the Germans, Luther was certainly the foremost figure of the movement. 100 years after the martyring of Jan Huss in Bohemia, Martin Luther would nail his 95 Theses on the "bulletin board" of the University and inadvertently begin what would begin as a battle for reform in the Roman Catholic Church and end with the birth of the Protestant church.
A thoughtful reading of the 95 Theses is necessary to fully understand this historical moment. Do remember that the Catholic Church was, at the time, the only organized Christian church in the world. Luther's original intent was the reformation of the Catholic Church, not the creation of another one. (He always objected to protestant Christians using the term "Lutheran".) The Protestant Reformation changed the world forever. It's worth a glance or two.
Quotes to Remember
In one hundred years, God will raise up a man whose calls for reform cannot be suppressed.
Jan Huss (July 6, 1415)
Among the last words of the great reformer
who was burned at the stake.
Hier stehe ich. Ich kann nicht anders. Gott helfe mir. Amen.
(Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.)
Martin Luther (April 18, 1521)
Delivered at the Diet of Worms,
after being asked to retract his writings.
