Return to search

Martin Luther: Father of Freedom or Father of Authoritarianism

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.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc503991
Date08 1900
CreatorsMays, Gladys Dezell
ContributorsPainter, William E., Mitchell, Giles R.
PublisherNorth Texas State University
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Format119 leaves, Text
RightsPublic, Mays, Gladys Dezell., Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Page generated in 0.0021 seconds