Women of the Reformation
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Women of the Reformation
Although not a conscious effort, the reformation brought about many changes in the life of a woman and the way they were viewed by the church. Martin Luthers ideas for women had foundation in the Bible. His biblical studies provided much evidence that women were inferior to men; however, he did recognized and accepted their spiritual equality.
The changes in the lives of women that were brought about during the reformation included marriage law, public education, and church life. Marriage laws were changed in that limitations on a persons choice of marriage partners were tapered.
Public education was also becoming more readily available to women and children. In addition, women began to enter into the religious controversies of the day, and they often reminded men of Gods authority.
It was also an idea of some that women were not living up to their full potential in life because of the restrictions put upon them by men. Bercher even noted that when comparing women to men that had been endowed with like gifts, he had found women “equal or superior” to men.
Martin Luther Explains Justification by Faith
In this article, Luther approaches the debate of salvation by faith versus salvation by works. He explains the differences between following the law due to a feeling of
obligation, or fear of authority, and following the law because of an honest heart, which he believes is only the case when the heart is filled with the spirit of God. He states that faith alone justifies us and fulfills the law. He also discusses a few often misunderstood words, such as grace, gift, sin, law, righteousness, faith, flesh, and spirit.
Analysis
From both of these articles, you can conclude that Martin Luther was a spiritual man who was very learned in the teachings of the God. From the Bible, he drew direction in seemingly every aspect of his life, and he set out to teach others as well.
Luther was a very practical man. Perhaps this was the reason that his teachings had such an effect on society. His views on women and their societal roles and spiritual equality with men had much impact on the changes that came about during the reformation. Also, his views on justification by faith developed into a famous argument that is still