[mlocher]

That he identified a large number of outrageous, demonic doctrines and practices by the aberrant Roman Church clearly did not make him without fault.

Great point. Not too many people realize that the papacy in the middle ages had little regard for the spiritual welfare of the peasants. Rather, the papacy was engaged in a battle for control of Christendom. Luther brought Christ to the masses.

[narses]

Not too many people realize that the papacy in the middle ages had little regard for the spiritual welfare of the peasants.

What Luther thought of the masses:

“As to the common people, ... one has to be hard with them and see that they do their work and that under the threat of the sword and the law they comply with the observance of piety, just as you chain up wild beasts.”