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No, Luther did forge much of the world as we have it today since he is the father of Protestantism. Whole nations abandoned orthodox Christianity for the novel set of ideas (many heretical) called Protestantism. This changed the destiny of nations and continents. Wars were started over this. Rebellions began over this. Already existing divides became more intense and religious in nature where no religious cause previously existed. If a new religion could replace the only one anyone had ever known so could new states, new systems of economics, new cultural norms, new customs, and so on. This cannot be denied. We can look at Europe’s history and see it.

"No"...the knee-jerk response of those who prove consistently unable to see history for what it is when their "church" is criticized. It's all just a misunderstanding of Luther's, right? If even your own previous Pope (Benedict) admitted the deplorable condition of the clergy and the "Catholic" church of the Middle Ages and its NEED for reform, then why can't modern day RCs do it?

You know, it really is amazing how Martin Luther is the favorite whipping boy after all these years - especially when he is trotted out so frequently in support of Catholic dogma on these threads. "Luther Derangement Syndrome" - indeed! Make up your minds!

Here's a history lesson - Luther was NOT the "father of Protestantism" - that's just a derogatory label polemist Catholics like to use to label him when they aren't trotting him out to support their dogmas. There were MANY "reformers" before AND after him that sought to right the ship of what claimed Universal Christian Church authority in those times. It was FAR more widespread than some seem comfortable with. It was a necessary and NEEDED action in a time when those who wore the mantle of "Apostleship" proved repeatedly they had NO concept of what the term even meant past the ability to demand obedience. Were the Popes and bishops of those days held to the standards the REAL Apostles established for clergy (much less members), they would have been banished to outer darkness for their duplicity and sins. Seriously...can this even be debated?

There was no "new" religion of the Reformation - as you ought to honestly acknowledge - but a battle to return to the genuine faith once delivered to the saints. A faith that did NOT include paying alms to forgive sins or free loved ones from a fictitious Purgatory. A faith that was based on the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world and which HIS righteousness was imputed to those who by faith received Him as Redeemer. The just shall live by faith...it's NEVER changed.