A Man Named Martin, Part 2: The Moment

This second part of the biographical documentary series A Man Named Martin (see review of A Man Named Martin, Part 1: The Man in VL-5/16) explores the theological and practical ramifications of Martin Luther's key legacy: the Protestant Reformation. After a quick introduction that reviews Luther's rejection of the late-medieval Catholic Church's various forms of corruption (particularly the selling of dispensations) and its self-serving demands centered on strict and complicated rules concerning faithful practices, The Moment explains the origins of several areas of Catholic doctrine, including the existence of Purgatory, the exalted role of Mary, the “miracle” of transubstantiation, and the process of confession—all pillars of Catholicism that, viewers are told, have their roots in dubious developments that often contradict earlier doctrine or which are the result of willful distortions in translated language. This historical/theological detour sets the stage for a deeper understanding of Luther's view of the Gospels, which he believed reveal more about what God offers us instead of the other way around. Luther's original take on the Gospels caught on with the public, but also made his ideas a huge danger to the Church's need for absolute control. Drawing on comments from scholars and authors to present a compelling story of Luther's journey as a religious reformist, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)