Martin Luther: Reform Within or Break Away (1517)
by Anonymous
After posting his 95 Theses, Luther faced pressure to recant. At the Diet of Worms he chose to stand firm, splitting Western Christianity and launching the Protestant Reformation.
Stand Firm (Protestant Break)
1521
year
Excommunication, possible execution
personal risk
Scripture alone vs papal authority
theological stakes
Chosen — 'Here I stand, I can do no other'
outcome
Recant and Reform from Within
1521
year
Low — remain in Church's good graces
personal risk
Work within existing system
theological stakes
Not chosen
outcome
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