Jim: Topic I: Equality: Luther

The big question is whether religion, specifically Judeo-Christian religion, has helped Western Civilization. The current issue is whether this religion brought about the move toward greater equality of its members.

The Protestant Reformation was a gigantic move toward equality. It challenged the authority of the church and right of church members to have access to the holy documents. The notion that, in the eyes of God, we are all equal was crucial to the march toward greater equality. Luther and the Church contributed to the establishment of this value in Western Civilization.