Martin Luther and John Calvin as Religious Leaders of the Reformation

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Martin Luther and John Calvin as Religious Leaders of the Reformation Martin Luther became an Augustinian Monk in 1505. He spent two years studying Scripture before being ordained as a priest. In 1510, Luther was sent to Rome and was shocked by the spiritual laxity. After finishing his theological doctorate, he became a professor at Wittenberg, in 1515, Luther became the district vicar. Luther began to develop his own theology and in 1516 he felt compelled to protest the dispensation of indulgences. Indulgences were sold to forgive sinners. Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the castle church. He was asked to recant by the Cardinal and refused. Many theologians also believe that the sale of indulgences was immoral but it had great financial success. Luther's 95 Theses were widely read and distributed. Support began to grow from the exploited peasants and the Northern Humanists. Luther published the Sermon of Good Works where he argues that good works do no benefit the soul; only faith can. Luther was trying to reform the church, but the Pope named him a heretic and he was later excommunicated in 1521. At the diet of Worms, Charles V asked Luther to recant and, once again, Luther refused. Charles declared Luther an outlaw. Luther was no longer able to reform the Catholic Church so he hid in Wartburg to develop his new church. Luther based his church on the concept of freedom and liberty. He wanted to liberate people from false beliefs and false religion. As to the manner of worship, Luther chose to retain altars and vestments; he prepared an order of liturgical service, but with the understanding that no ch... ... middle of paper ... ...to Geneva to seek refuge. The core principles of Calvinism are based on literal reading of Scripture. Anything not contained in the Scripture was rejected and anything in the Scripture was to be followed unwaveringly. Calvin thought that not only religious belief be taken on literal readings, but also church organization, politics, and society. Calvin organized the church into four levels; Pastors were the five men who exercised authority over religious matters, Teachers were a larger group was taught doctrine to the people, Elders were twelve men who oversaw the city, and Deacons were appointed to care for the sick. The most important theological position of Calvinism is that of predestination. Calvin believed that salvation was not a choice, but that it was pre-decided by God at the beginning of time.

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