The Importance of the Reformation

Why did the Protestant Church leave the Roman Catholic Church? Martin Luther and other Protestants led the Reformation out of the medieval period, and this short video explains why.

Recommended Biographies of Luther:

Another biography not featured here but recommended is:

This is Lecture 1 in the course 'Luther and Calvin'. All material is copyrighted.

[RichardInman]

this is an incredible resource thanks for posting have just listened to 20 hours of Reformation History and Audible along with about another 12 hours on the Papacy Bless you for your free gift to the world

[Mikeanddrea]

Can't wait to get through these videos! Thank you so much for taking the time to create these!

[natserog]

thumbs up!!! thank you Ryan. Im learning.

[paulwilk]

I enjoy your lectures. Really helps my understanding of Medieval history and the central role of religion in everyday life

[VickiNikolaidis]

Thank you! I've always wondered about the passion of the "catholic vs. protestant" argument in some second and third generation German immigrants to the U.S. Really can be a problem.

[petercook]

Great summary of the Reformation. Although a painting of what looks like Philip instead of Charles is provided suggesting Philip as emperor.

[gilbertalphin]

Wonderful lecture of our diverse and painful faith story.

[lobogo]

Thank you for the great educating content sir :) . Much appreciated, considering there is not much out there covering these interesting topics. Cheers

[dlwatib]

There is a certain sense in which the reformation has taken on too much importance. Too many people have let their attitudes be formed and informed by the Reformation arguments without realizing that both Catholic and Protestant churches have grown and changed since that pivotal time. In particular, Catholicism in the post-Vatican II era is considerably different in practice and tone from the church that Martin Luther left. On the Protestant side, what was once a fairly coherent voice has been broken into 10, 000 or even 100, 000 individual voices, each loudly proclaiming their own version of the truth. It is this never-ending fractionation in Protestantism that lead so many rationalists to throw out all religion and espouse relativism. In many ways, the Reformation is the wound in the body of Christ that never heals.

[harveyge]

As a Christian I have come to the conclusion that the current state of the organized church, both Protestant and Catholic, is that of a quagmire. I consider it essential for a Christian, if he is to have any intellectual peace, to once and forever recognize the difference between faith and religion. I have come to base my hopes and dreams all upon faith and not at all upon religion. If this leaves me vulnerable to relevatism, so be it. Here I stand.