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''Luther, more than anyone, was to blame for the schism.'' How valid is this assessment of Luther's role in the schism? It is fair to claim that Martin Luther's appealing arguments and truculent nature were largely to blame in ending the ecclesiastical supremacy of the Pope in Western Christendom, thus sparking off the German Reformation. He set in motion substantial changes to the culture and politics of 16th century Europe that, albeit unintentionally, helped shape the course of European history. However, we must remember that although the movement dates from the early 16th century, when Luther first defied the authority of the church, the conditions that led to his revolutionary stand had existed for hundreds of years. It is equally fair to argue that had the Catholic church not moved so drastically away from the teachings of Christ, the schism would not have happened at all, since there would have been no cause...

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