Martin Luther's Role In Renaissance Europe

Modern society has always debated on the idea of whether Martin Luther was a gleaming figure in Renaissance Europe or a destroyer of structure and function of society in the 16th century. By standing up for what he believed was right, Luther was able to dramatically change the social, religious, and political structure in Europe. His criticism of the pope and his clergy helped to revive the need for reform of the Roman Catholic Church and led to every individual person feeling more valued inside his or her soul. Luther’s actions and statements throughout the course of the Reformation ultimately turned out to be more beneficial to the church and European society because they weeded out the corruption of the church, promoted societal welfare
The idea of being directly connected to God by faith was similar to the value of individualism in the Renaissance. It promoted societal welfare just like the beginning of the Renaissance had, resulting in stronger religious bonds to everyone’s preferred church. It is clear that people felt really connected to their church because of all the different forms of Christianity; each church held different ideals and values, in turn, making it possible for every person to choose exactly what they wanted to practice. In fact, thanks to Luther, there are now more than 465 major Protestant denominations worldwide (McDougal Littell, 57). With so many options for Christians, people can now lead religious lives they actually want, thus, improving the quality of life. As a result of all the denominations, religious believers could actually interpret the Bible for themselves. As a reference to the Reluctant Revolutionary documentary, when each and every Christian could read, understand, and analyze the Bible, they would feel a sense of freedom and pride. Due to these arguments made by Luther, a whole gateway of opportunity was presented to society. Thus, Luther had promoted society welfare. However, Luther did not just help the individual in every state. Luther’s criticism of the pope produced potential for individual states and princes, too.
He sought to end the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, and in doing so, promoted societal welfare and gave plenty of opportunity and freedom to many princes and leaders. All of his actions were ultimately beneficial to European society and the church as a whole. Imagine the world where there was still one all-powerful, overarching church―a world without Luther’s influence; imagine the world where no one was literate enough to read the Holy Bible or had to waste money for the pope’s lavish spending. There is no other way around it. Martin Luther was one of the most positively influential people who has walked on the face of this