Final answer:
Luther's ideas spread widely due to the printing press, which enabled mass dissemination of his writings, opposition to Church corruption which he vocally criticized, and his translation of the Bible into the vernacular which made scripture accessible to the general public. Option (D) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Luther's ideas gained widespread support through multiple channels:
- Printing press dissemination: The printing press, a groundbreaking invention by Johannes Gutenberg, optimized with movable type, permitted the mass production of texts, including Luther's works. This technology significantly broadened the reach of Luther's ideas and facilitated the rapid spread of his writings across Europe.
- Opposition to Church corruption: Many Europeans were critical of the Catholic Church's practices, such as the sale of indulgences. Luther's challenge to these practices resonated with a populace that had grown wary of Church corruption.
- Translation of the Bible into vernacular languages: Luther translated the Bible into German, allowing people to read the scriptures in their language. Similarly inspired, William Tyndale translated the Bible into English. Accessibility to scripture in familiar languages empowered people to interpret religious teachings without relying solely on the Church.
Together, these factors contributed to the rapid and widespread support for Martin Luther's ideas, leading to the birth of Protestantism and igniting the Protestant Reformation.