Question

Use the following passage from Martin Luther's On the Freedom of a Christian to answer the question: "He then, who does not wish to go astray … must look further than to the works of the law or the doctrine of works; nay, must turn away his spirit from works, and look to the person, and to the manner in which it may be justified. Now it is justified and saved, not by works or laws, but by the word of God, that is, by the promise of His grace …" Which Reformation idea, opposed to traditional Catholic thinking, does the passage support?

A. The necessity of doing good works in order to attain salvation
B. The duty to believe in the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
C. The superiority of faith over works as a path to salvation
D. The superior authority of religious law over secular law

Answer 1

The passage supports the Reformation idea of the superiority of faith over works as a path to salvation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage from Martin Luther's On the Freedom of a Christian supports the Reformation idea of the superiority of faith over works as a path to salvation. Luther argues that a person's justification and salvation come not from their own works or adherence to religious laws, but through faith in God's grace. This notion contradicts the traditional Catholic belief that good works are necessary for salvation.