Then
This idea, the reformation of the church by Martin Luther, is still important today. The innovation in the church is still important because the churches that it created are still spreading and growing. New protestant churches are still being created. This innovation in the church impacted the whole world, from the catholic church itself to America. It gave America and countries all over the world a new way to worship and develop themselves in religion. There is more controversy today surrounding corruption in the Catholic church than protestant churches. In the Catholic church, there is controversy around the church officials abuse of power.
The “95 Theses” served as a base for the formation of the different churches today. The document brought to light the corruption of the Catholic church at the time. Today the controversy is not around the “95 Theses” itself, but it’s still around the church that it tried to fix. The theses still is a foundation for protestants in America, some of the religions have branched off but they still can be traced back to the “95 Theses”. Now there are more churches believing in salvation by faith and not having to pay for entrance into heaven. The “95 Theses” allowed for freedom in religion. It could even be called the Emancipation Proclamation of the church, the document that set the church free from Catholicism.
Over time, this idea has grown and become more diverse. It has had some positive impacts such as the mayflower coming to America. “These “Separatists” did not want to pledge allegiance to the Church of England, which they believed was nearly as corrupt and idolatrous as the Catholic Church it had replaced, any longer.”(History.com) The protestants aboard this ship, who branched off from the Church of England, took part in forming one of the first colonies in America. Another positive impact is that people today have different ways to represent themselves within Christianity. Protestantism can even be tied into movements and battles for rights over time.
Today and Tomorrow
There have been some negative impacts as well. The split in the church did cause a division among the people. Some people may get so tied up in which denomination is right that they forget the God they are serving is the same. On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his I have a dream speech. In this speech, Dr. King spoke about uniting that which was divided. In his speech, he said, Protestants and Catholics will be able to join hands and sing. This means that there are lasting negative impacts on the church, they are divided in their beliefs and sometimes Actions.
In the future, if used properly, this idea could be used as a progression instead of a hindrance to the church. This idea could unite the churches under one goal, not one way to reach that goal; but one common goal that they all believe in as Christians. Most Christians believe in heaven, but they have different methods of reaching it. As time moves forward, people could broaden their perspectives on these matters. As with all things, this progression will take time. In the end, the people may all be able to work together and put aside their differences to focus on the common ground.
In the future, if used properly, this idea could be used as a progression instead of a hindrance to the church. This idea could unite the churches under one goal, not one way to reach that goal; but one common goal that they all believe in as Christians. Most Christians believe in heaven, but they have different methods of reaching it. As time moves forward, people could broaden their perspectives on these matters. As with all things, this progression will take time. In the end, the people may all be able to work together and put aside their differences to focus on the common ground.