The Propaganda of the Reformation - Essay Example

The propaganda of the Reformation started through Lucas Cranach also known as the Elder who is one of Martin Luther’s closest friends and also a publicist of some sort considering the era. He published a pamphlet with 26 woodcuts and illustrated Passional Christi and Antichrist that each had comments written by Philip Melanchthon. It was an attack on the pope that identifies the pope as an Antichrist and contrasts it to the true Christ. It had since become a popular antipapal document which was reprinted several times with different editions. An example of this image depicts Christ driving out the greedy from the church on the left while on the right is an image of the Antichrist seated in a throne with opulent jewelry together with bishops and cardinals offering various extravagances for his desire (last name author year, pp. 18-19).

            It is one of the Reformation’s greatest weapons that its main catalyst, Martin Luther, was adept in writing and communicating with the common people. Although he was already excommunicated in October of 1529, he still enjoyed freedom because of Frederick the Wise’s patronage. His pamphlets originally written in German allowed for his ideas to be expressed clearly to the readers while they are simultaneously being entertained. The lectures and sermons which he has authored became very popular and boundless in terms of societal status. He continued to preach and deliver sermons amidst all his works. Another action that the Reformists took that contributed to their success includes their use of the vernacular during their sermons for the people to better understand their ideas. These men have also defied authorities when some of them had a knack for translating the bible into their languages. This was something unprecedented as the Latin form was the sole language of the religion. This is founded on their belief that their faith is based on the Word of God. Contrary to what Luther hoped, the Reformation spread locally and not through the monarchs which he had tried to convince like Emperor Charles V.  This came later on in the movement (last name author ar, p. 25).

            It is interesting information that many consider Martin Luther as the first best-seller in publishing. His pamphlets written in his local language water easily and cheaply distributed to readers. A material that has his name printed on it quickly sells out (Wallace 2004, p. 77). Luther became the most sought-after writer because people were enlightened and avidly read through his writings. His pamphlets allowed the people to read information which is otherwise void from them by the popular church. What is contained in these written materials are simply things that the people most likely already knew but it was the courage of the Reformists which enabled a larger audience to have the same information. This further fueled the already building resentment of the people towards poverty and the abuses in the authority of the church. The fiscal problems of the countries also stirred the sentiments of the people and even of the different governments and monarchs.

            Luther and his preaching on the importance of the Word of God or the Gospel all started in Wittenberg. More than anything, his thoughts contained a biblical basis and an attack on the theological foundations of the church and not on the individuals alone. Many new students became fascinated to go to Wittenberg because of Luther. These students became affiliates in the call for Reform. Some of them returned to their countries and professed the doctrines that he had encouraged. Apart from his publications, his spoken word became an integral part of the conversion of people to his ‘truth.’ Between the years 1517-1546, approximately 3.1 million copies of his writings were availed by the public excluding the translations of the Bible he has created. This was a staggering number during the time of his existence (last name author year, p. 37).

            The success of Martin Luther and the Reformation would not have been the same had it not employed the use of printing in its quest. Originally a student for priesthood, Luther developed his philosophy which was against the hierarchy of the church he first wished to be a part of. What Luther called for was a ‘reform,’ a re-evaluation and overhaul of a system that was corrupt and greedy. His calls were heeded by the papacy and turned into a complete removal from the Vatican church. It led to his condemnation and threats prevented only by the influence of his aristocratic supporters. The publishing of his articles provided him with a way to reach a greater number and believers. This is what led to the success of the Protestant church. With its variations from the Catholic Church such as the contraction of the sacraments to two, the allowing of the clergy to wed, and the power it gives to monarchy, the religion saw many converts. In this there is, no question that the medium of printing played a significant role.