Chapter 11: Religion

Throughout history it can be seen that the church as always been a strong and authoritive force in society. Prior to the Protestant Refromation the Catholic Church did not allow its subjects to read the bible. Since the bible was in Latin, only the priest could preach from it and the congregation had to take his word that he was telling the truth. Also then people believed that indulgences would be a way for them and their family members to get to heaven. Finally Martin Luther came along with his 95 Thesis on the church doors of Wittenburg, and changed everything. It was a difficult time, but he was able to finally change the status quo. He translated the bible into vernacular (the common language), and changed peoples views about how to make sure they get to heaven. He believed that instead of buying one's way into heaven, he thought that by persuing good deeds and living for God, one could find their place with the Lord. From there many religions began to emerge including Luther's religion Luthernism.

The Protestant Refromation wasn't the only time religion was a radical force that changed for the status quo. Currently I am seeing more churches pop up on a regular basis, more preachers becoming famous from being on the television, and people changing to adapt to their churches beliefs. I don't disrespect church at all! In my opinion I just feel that one has to have a sense of faith that will not be changed by others pushing their faith on them.

A personal example would be a time when I went to a superbowl party at my friends church. When I went in there was a huge theater screen showing the game, food, rockclimbing, sumo wrestling suits, and a lot more fun things to do. Little did I know that I was about to be "saved". During half time they took all the people that had not been "saved" in a back room. I did not know what was happening, and it did scare me. I walked back out to the ample amount people afterwards, and they were clapping for all of us. I did not appreciate this tatic at all, it was not apart of my faith. Although I understand and respect that this was apart of their religion, they should have asked if it was apart of the others faith's to be "saved" before they took us into a back room to be freed of our sins. It was an experience that was very eye-opening, and made me realize faith is something that should be personal.