[annalex]

The patristic reading of scripture empowers man to stand in the place of God, to perform the Eucharist, to forgive sins, and to declare the word of God infallibly, etc. If this isn't empowering men well beyond scripture I don't know what is

True, but it empowers strictly within the parameter of the deposit of faith. No pope, for example, had the power to declare Luther's heresies correct. He has no power but what has been given him from above. Luther, however, encouraged men to read the gospel on their own and preach their private interpretation of it without regard for anything but their own little heads. Protestantism is traditons of, and power grab by men.

[HarleyD]

Luther, however, encouraged men to read the gospel on their own and preach their private interpretation of it without regard for anything but their own little heads. Protestantism is traditons of, and power grab by men.

Versus Trent that stated it was forbidden to read or own the Bible. There was a power grab alright but I don't think you can blame Luther.