The Protestant Reformation (more accurately known as the Lutheran Upheaval) was the product of the observance of a ridiculous degree of corruption among the highest officials of the Catholic Church. Yet, despite its origins, its events, its people and its publications left a lasting impact on Europe that is still felt today. Martin Luther's words still resonate with many Christians, not only in Europe but around the world. His teachings and publications also inspire an extraordinary amount of controversy among modern historians. Regardless of how Martin Luther is viewed, his words, particularly his early reform works, helped shape the future of modern civilization in Europe. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In the early 1500s, the Catholic Church was led by a number of extremely corrupt individuals. Pope Alexander was the first of these, said to have bribed 17 of the 22 cardinal votes that got him elected to public office. In addition to these misgivings, he had numerous mistresses and 12 illegitimate children (almost all of whom he used to maintain or acquire political power). Alexander's successor, Julius II, would personally lead the armies in the Italian Wars and the War of the Holy League. This corruption was not limited to the Pope, however, as many other Church leaders were guilty of similar crimes. In fact, it was not uncommon for a church bishop to hold not only a religious office, but also a political one. Martin Luther's story begins with his service to the Catholic Church. During his time with the organization, he witnessed these and other heinous forms of corruption. While many of his petitioners lived in dire poverty, Martin Luther saw his fellows within the church living a lavish lifestyle compared to that of royalty. Worse, the money that fueled these lavish lifestyles was money that officials received in the form of indulgences, which were given as a way (for the petitioners) to compensate for their sins. When he expressed his fury at witnessing such atrocities, he did so by publishing Thesis 95, a clearly written document that outlined his grievances against the Catholic Church. His 27th complaint directly addressed the ridiculousness of indulgences by stating that "there is no divine authority to preach that the soul flies out of purgatory immediately (after) the money jingles in the depths of the chest." The writing contains much of what might be considered common sense. The 95 thesis was well received in Luther's intellectual circle. It received almost unanimous support and was released in several languages ​​immediately after its release. It should also be noted that the mass publication of Luther's work was largely due to the invention of the printing press. For the first time, a large number of people had access to the published ideas. The works have been published throughout Europe. The Catholic Church responded in kind, but not immediately. The 95th thesis was published in 1517, while Luther's official excommunication did not take place until 1521, nor was his work banned until that date. He was tried and condemned before the famous Diet of Worms, but refused to recant. The Elector of Saxony, Frederick III, later protected him by placing him in solitude at Wartburg Castle. It was at this time that he published “Refutation of the Argument of Latomus”. In this writing, he insisted on the fact.