The Reactions of Jesus and Martin Luther - Essay Example

His followers became a church that was based in the hearts of people, which emphasize community, and togetherness. Jesus would also probably propagate the independence of groups with Christ-like principles, where, like in early Christianity, "[c]ells were formed by those who met together regularly to discuss the kingdom of God."1 Additionally, Christ talked about the Kingdom of Heaven often and, though not as much, the ultimate destination of hell for those who disregarded God and his laws. Martin Luther would probably have been a similar advocate for Protestantism, as it did not have relics of any kind associated with it.

Also, the concept of images being considered a form of idolatry in Protestantism would probably also have appealed to Martin Luther. Martin Luther would have appreciated the emphasis placed on sermons.Jesus would have appreciated Roman Catholicism for the elaborate and detailed nature of the faith, which encapsulates nearly everything about it: its theology, its doctrines, and its churches. Christ would have been endeared to the devotional element in Catholic ritual, in the way that His followers worshiped Him and took pains to clothe themselves during Mass both as parish members and as clergy.

Jesus would appreciate the beauty inherent in the artwork and imagery of the saints in His churches. He would see them as a celebration of tradition in His followers' history. Martin Luther would oppose Roman Catholicism due to its formerly having sold relics for the absolution of sins. Martin Luther, probably agreeing with Paul on how "Christians might be heirs of the promises to Israel[,] would not become the dominant theology of Catholic Christianityemerging again and again in the biblical theologies of Luther.

"2 Finally, Martin Luther probably would not have liked the emphasis on spiritual formation because there would be, to him, a lack of forcefulness in or focus on Catholic preaching.Jesus would appreciate the devotional nature of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and the reverence (and not worship) given to icons of Himself and other saints found in the Christian tradition. "Adoration and worship of God were strongly distinguished from all veneration of saints and holy things (proskynesis, doula)"3 Martin Luther would most strongly object to the use of icons in Eastern Orthodoxy.

Here the perspectives of Jesus and Martin Luther on the major forms of Christianity-Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodoxy-have been discussed. They would each have their own perspectives on what they think about each one. Additionally, their views would be insightful about the evolution of Christianity.