Alessandro Barbero - Martin Lutero (1. parte)

The episode begins by introducing Martin Luther, the initiator of the Protestant Reformation who challenged papal authority and won many Christians to his side, believing that Rome was leading the Church astray. The Reformation is depicted as a crucial turning point in modern history, causing a division in Europe between Protestant and Catholic nations.

Luther is viewed paradoxically as both a man of the Middle Ages and a pioneer of modernity, with a focus on his education in medieval universities, his theological background, and his initial concerns about the Church's practices, particularly the selling of indulgences by the Pope to fund the construction of St. Peter's Basilica.

This selling of indulgences prompts Luther to question the theological validity of such actions, arguing that only God can free souls from purgatory, not the Pope. He expresses concern over the complacency of Christians regarding confession and repentance, leading to the formulation of his famous 95 Theses, which he famously nails to the church door in Wittenberg.

The narrative shifts to Germany in the late 15th century, depicting a grim society ravaged by disease, where the Church, despite its immense wealth and power, is seen as both a source of comfort and a corrupt, tyrannical institution destined for upheaval by Luther.

As Luther embarks on his final journey in 1546, the importance of his ideas in modern Western culture is emphasized, showcasing the value he places on the individual and the need to fight for one's beliefs, ultimately claiming he faced significant opposition from an institution of substantial power.

Luther's humble beginnings are discussed, revealing his upbringing in a pious community in Eisleben during a time when Christianity dominated all aspects of life. His family background included the harsh upbringing from his father, a copper miner, leading to a complex relationship with authority.

The narrative continues by illustrating the Church's extensive influence over daily life in Europe, deciding legal matters such as marriages and inheritances, leading to an environment where Luther initially seeks solace in religious devotion.

Despite his father's hopes for Luther to become a successful lawyer, the pressures of parental expectation coupled with an abusive home life lead Luther to seek solace in spirituality, ultimately vowing to become a monk after a life-altering near-death experience due to a storm.

After entering monastic life, Luther adopts rigorous ascetic practices, believing that such devotion is necessary for salvation, but he becomes increasingly troubled by his inability to appease God and doubts the efficacy of these practices.

Luther's journey into despair continues, failing to find reassurance in traditional rituals, leading him to a scholarly position at the University of Wittenberg, where he begins to explore church doctrine critically, ultimately leading to his groundbreaking realization about salvation.