Religious Freedom Within Germany

After the Thirty Years War, Germany expanded the Peace of Augsburg Treaty and the Golden Bull so that Protestants and Catholics would be equally represented within the Imperial Diet. However princes and rulers were given reign over religion within their land and territories.

Left: The Peace of Augsburg being discussed and negotiated.

I thought this compelling because it was a huge step towards religious freedom in Germany. Martin Luther spent so long trying to reform the religious community and his ideas started to spread at this time in German history. Although this did not allow for complete religious freedom, due to the rule within territories, it still was a step towards practicing religion freely and religious diversity.

This decision within the Imperial Diet is important to Germany because it determined the religious diversity within Germany today. This recognition of all religions during the 15th century is most likely a good indication that there is a diverse religious community within present day Germany. However, Catholics could also amount to the religion that is seen in Germany. Either way, it can be sure that religious freedom is extremely important in Germany.

Right: The Golden Bull.

This is a lot like the United States. Our religious freedom is very important to us in this country. However, our path to religious freedom was much different than that of Germany. Most likely the religions of the United States span further than that of Germany because so many different races and cultures have found their way to the USA. This, however, does not change the fact that history has shaped our two countries into countries that value and adore our religious freedom.

Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary

Martin Luther first and foremost is often thought of a religious revolutionary. The most memorable evidence of this is Luther's posting of the 95 Theses. He tried to change the corrupt Catholic Church and never backed down, even to his death. Luther is credited with changing the way religion was looked at forever. However, he is more than just a religious reformist. Martin Luther also changed the culture and politics of Germany drastically.

Not surprisingly, religion played a huge role in helping to reform these aspects as well. Martin Luther's complaints began with the church and the idea of religion at the time. But he quickly began to understand that he needed to use politics to his advantage. He began to attack all those in power, not only popes and priests, but the princes and emperors of the time. He saw that there were strong ties between the Church and royalty, and that the most corrupt acts were coming from these people in power. Luther looked to reform these people and to change the way religion and power worked within Germany and the surrounding lands. Finally, Luther changed the culture of Germany, by giving the common person a voice and the courage to stand up to those in power. The biggest thing that Luther did, in my opinion, for the people of his time, was translating the Bible into German. This allowed all people the opportunity to experience and take part in the Church. This translation marked a big cultural and religious change for Luther's followers.

I thought it was interesting that the video was titled "Reluctant Revolutionary". Martin Luther did seem reluctant at all to tell the Church and the world how he felt. Although things did not always turned out how he expected, he never backed down or gave up. Luther spent every day until his death trying to reform Germany to be a better and more holy place for all people.

Fortunately, for people everywhere, Martin Luther eventually was successful in reforming the church, the political system, and the culture of Germany. He knew that what he was doing was important, but I do not think Luther knew the extent of what his actions would bring. What Martin Luther did has echoed throughout centuries and changed religion forever. He is extremely important to Germany, and to people all over the world. He changed "personal and institutional freedom" for everyone, giving people of Germany freedom to religion without the threat of corrupt priests or deeds. Religion today is now something for people to rejoice in, instead of something to be afraid. Luther also laid the foundation for people to have personal freedom and the courage to stand up for themselves as a common, ordinary individual. At the time, Martin Luther may not have known how important his actions would be, but they have shaped and molded the world as we know it today.