why did the clergy support Martin Luther's ideas?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther
The clergy's support for Martin Luther's ideas can be attributed to several factors. To understand why, we need to delve into the historical context and events that took place during the Protestant Reformation.
1. Criticism of the Church: During the 16th century, the Catholic Church was facing growing criticism. Many people, including clergy members, were discontent with what they saw as corruption within the Church. Issues such as the selling of indulgences, the luxurious lifestyles of some clergy members, and the lack of focus on biblical teachings were among the grievances.
2. Shared Beliefs: Martin Luther's ideas resonated with many clergy members who were concerned with the Church's departure from biblical teachings. Luther's primary concerns were centered around salvation by faith alone, the authority of the Bible, and the concept of priesthood of all believers. These ideas appealed to those who desired a return to a more pure and simple form of Christianity.
3. Academic and Intellectual Support: Luther was an academic and theologian himself, and his ideas were developed through scholarly research and debate. Many clergy members recognized Luther's intelligence, theological knowledge, and his ability to articulate their shared concerns. This intellectual support from within the clergy helped legitimize Luther's ideas and gain further acceptance.
4. Political and Social Climate: The clergy's support for Luther was not limited to theological reasons but had political and social motivations as well. Lutheran ideas challenged the authority and power of the Catholic Church, which had held significant influence over religious, economic, and political matters. Some clergy members saw Luther's movement as an opportunity for greater autonomy and the possibility of reforming the Church from within.
5. Desire for Change: Many clergy members were dissatisfied with their own positions within the Church, such as the inability to marry, restricted access to education, and limited career prospects. Luther's ideas of reformation provided hope for these individuals to bring about change and improve their own situations.
It is important to note that although some clergy members supported Luther's ideas, others strongly opposed them, leading to a division within the Church and ultimately to the establishment of Protestantism as a separate branch of Christianity. The support of the clergy played a significant role in initiating and spreading the ideas of the Protestant Reformation.