The Reformation was by and large one of the greatest revolutionary changes to happen to any society. Although, Luther did not realize the magnitude of posting his 95 Theses, it was seen as an earth-shattering event. However, the impact of it wouldn't be felt until Luther refused to recant his 95 Theses. It was then that he laid the building blocks for the Reformation and the shaping of Modern Day Europe.
.
In 1519, Luther nailed to the door of Wittenberg Cathedral 95 Theses criticizing the Church's behavior. He condemned in particular papacy wealth. His arguments after that later went onto to condemn the Church doctrine of faith through salvations and various malfeasances of the Church particularly absenteeism, the use of strictly Latin, pluralism, and the lack of education. His arguments although originally intended to provoke only an intellectual discussion over the Church, provoked a great deal of uproar.
.
However, the Reformation would not get a strong following until Luther disregarded his excommunication by the Church and was condemned at the Diet of Worms. It was then that Luther became a folk hero among the German masses. It was also then that advantageous German Princes saw Lutheranism as a way to gain power by countering the Church. It was then that the power of Luther was beginning to be realized. .
.
To reaffirm his power, Luther would use a variety of methods to reach out the public. This included catchesism, hymns, preachers and the usage of vernacular languages. This helped to spread Luther's message of the freedom of men and salvation through faith alone. Luther's support among the masses made it even more appealing for German Princes to support Luther in order to gain popularity among their bases. .
.
Ironically, Luther's power would decrease as his belief in the freedom of men stimulated peasant rebellions. This hurt of power of Luther has his message lost a certain appeal and he was forced through his denouncing of anarchy to promote nationalism.
