This thesis endeavors to reveal that Martin Luther's dogmatic adherence to one absolute interpretation of the Word of God restricted man's freedom, both religious and personal. His intolerant and authoritarian attitude toward individualistic groups, called into existence by his polemics stressing Christian freedom, is broadly discussed. Luther's theology denied man responsibility for his salvation, either through works, the exercise of divine reason, or through living a lifestyle in the imitation of Christ, leaving man with the inability to accept responsibility for his actions. The authoritarian religions that developed after Luther brought confusion and indifference regarding the nature of religion, leaving modern man in search of alternate authorities in which to place his faith and assume responsibility for his actions, thereby limiting his independence and freedom.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc503991 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Mays, Gladys Dezell |
| Contributors | Painter, William E., Mitchell, Giles R. |
| Publisher | North Texas State University |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | 119 leaves, Text |
| Rights | Public, Mays, Gladys Dezell., Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. |
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