Martin Luther's original intention had surely been simply to discuss issues within the church that were anti-Christian and weakening the church. He had to break away because his conscience would not allow him to go along with the corrupt practices of the time.
Certainly his original intention was not to split the Church. He even wrote Pope Leo a letter declaring his loyalty after posting the 95 theses. Unfortunately, due to a combination of a poor initial response to his grievances and the financial/political interests of his wealthy patrons, he eventually chose to break away. Because of his role as the founder of protestantism, it is hard to find measured discussion of him. Analysis of his motivations often falls into either hagiography or vilification!
Martin Luther's original intention had surely been simply to discuss issues within the church that were anti-Christian and weakening the church. He had to break away because his conscience would not allow him to go along with the corrupt practices of the time.
Certainly his original intention was not to split the Church. He even wrote Pope Leo a letter declaring his loyalty after posting the 95 theses. Unfortunately, due to a combination of a poor initial response to his grievances and the financial/political interests of his wealthy patrons, he eventually chose to break away. Because of his role as the founder of protestantism, it is hard to find measured discussion of him. Analysis of his motivations often falls into either hagiography or vilification!