Introduction
Martin Luther can be seen as a unique opinion leader who influenced people’s minds and behavior. This work uses the article Multiplex Network Ties and the Spatial Diffusion of Radical Innovations: Martin Luther’s Leadership in the Early Reformation as a primary source, as it reflects new research on Martin Luther’s personal influence in spreading the Reformation. The study of primary and additional sources shows that Martin Luther’s efforts became the basis for the rapid penetration of innovative and radical ideas contrary to established beliefs.
Martin Luther’s ideas and the Beginning of the Reformation
Reformation Day is celebrated on October 31, the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517. His initial disputes were about the abuse of power and selling indulgences. Martin Luther considered the Rome center to be hopelessly corrupt. He was highly critical of the excessive “mixture of money with grace,” as well as the clergy’s attitude towards luxury and money (Bruni and Milbank 222). Over several years, the idea developed and grew into a full-fledged call for renewal and a break in relations with the centers in Rome.
The Protestant Reformation revealed the deep corruption of the church leadership and became one of the main issues for discussion. Ultimately it was not the only factor that influenced the development of Western civilization. Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German in 1522, whereas previously, the Scriptures were published only in Latin (Becker et al. 866). Others followed Luther’s example, and soon the Bible appeared in English. Religion and the word of God became available to ordinary people. As Luther dreamed, they could touch religious scriptures without the mediation of the clergy. The Reformation has become a powerful tool for developing literacy among the population.
Not all Reformation events were worthy of praise, and not all leaders were always models of Christian behavior. Thus, a group of reformers was martyred by their fellow reformers. Luther’s writings clearly showed anti-Semitic statements, although earlier works showed a more balanced attitude towards Jews. (Stern 6). Despite all, the Reformation was the most significant upheaval in the history of the Western church.
Martin Luther’s influence on the spread of the Christian Reformation
According to conventional opinion, the reason for the rapid spread of the Reformation was the development of printing. New research shows that while printing did play a significant role, Luther’s activism and connections also had an enormous impact (Becker et al. 861). Luther’s ideas gained institutional support in cities where he had personal connections.
According to Becker et al. 36 percent of the towns that had personal contact with Luther before 1522 accepted the Reformation by 1530 (861). In these towns, political alliances arose that promoted reforms in the social and religious spheres. Martin Luther used three methods to spread his ideas and influence:
- He actively published his works on theology and philosophy.
- He conducted extensive and varied correspondence.
- He visited cities where he preached and participated in discussions on religious topics.
Although Martin Luther spent most of his life as a monk and professor at a provincial university, he was in active correspondence with many people. Among his correspondents were not only priests but also the highest church dignitaries, high-ranking officials, aristocrats, and several prominent burghers (Becker et al. 865). They became conductors of Luther’s ideas to the broader masses. These connections gave impetus to the development of the Reformation, pushing in some cities for such changes as the abolition of privileges for the clergy.
In 1517, Luther began mobilizing his students to become apostles of the Protestant faith. The sparks of the Reformation soon flared far beyond the cities where Luther had connections and influence (Becker et al. 866). The spread was accompanied by the trade relations between towns and the missionary activity of his students. However, it would be a mistake to assume that only Martin Luther’s influence contributed to the Reformation’s spread. His ideas lay on the soil of a favorable historical context. For example, reformism in England was initiated by the political interests of Henry VIII, who “broke with the papacy of Clement VII in a series of legislative acts between 1532 and 1534” to initiate divorce (Tingle 129). Another reason is the appropriation of church wealth and the strengthening of the crown’s power over the church.
Conclusion
Previous attempts to reform some church principles were suppressed, while the Reformation quickly spread in Germany, throughout Europe, and later on other continents. The reason for this success was a combination of several factors: the timeliness and innovativeness of Luther’s ideas, his activism and personal connections with the clergy, government officials, and aristocracy, an organized missionary network of Luther’s students, and a proper a historical context where the ruling state structures are tired of the rigid dictatorship of the church. Another factor that influenced the rapid spread of the Reformation can be considered the development of printing and reliable postal service.
By 1530, the network of the Protestant Reformation had established a well-organized and structured network. In this process, Martin Luther was not only an inspirer and spiritual mentor but also a leader who formed and changed public opinion.
Works Cited
Becker, Sascha O., et al. “Multiplex Network Ties and the Spatial Diffusion of Radical Innovations: Martin Luther’s Leadership in the Early Reformation.” American Sociological Review, vol. 85, no. 5, 2020, pp 857-894. Web.
Bruni, Luigino, and John Milbank. “Martin Luther and the Different Spirits of Capitalism in Europe.” International Review of Economics, vol. 66, no. 3, 2019, pp. 221-231. Web.
Stern, Robert. “Martin Luther.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2020.
Tingle, Elizabeth. “Martin Luther and the Reformation in the Midlands.” Midland History, vol. 44, no 2, 2019, pp. 128-143. Web.