History & Civics
Imagine you are Martin Luther, draft a speech that you would give to defend yourself at the Diet of Worms.
Reformation
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Answer
Dear Honorable Lords,
I stand before you today accused of heresy and disobedience to the Holy Roman Empire. I would like to take this opportunity to defend myself and clarify my position.
Firstly, I want to make it clear that my intention was never to start a revolt or overthrow the Church. My only goal was to reform the Church and bring it back to its original teachings as laid out in the Holy Scriptures. I believe that the Church has strayed from the true message of Christ, and it is our duty as Christians to correct it.
Secondly, I defend my views on the Roman Catholic practices. I reaffirm all my views as mentioned by me in Ninety-five theses and other writings. I reject to renounce my views. If I reject my own views, the lies and desolation of the Christian world and the papacy will continue. I cannot encourage their lies to flourish by renouncing my writings. If I do so that will only strengthen tyranny. My words may be harsh, for which I apologize, but I cannot reject the substance of what I taught in my theses. How can I go against my own conscience? However, I do not reject the Church entirely, and I acknowledge that it has played an important role in the history of Christianity.
I do not believe in the practice of collecting money from the people, like tithe, Peter's Pence and selling of indulgences or the concept of purgatory, which I see as corrupt and unscriptural. I believe that the only way to reform the Church is through open and honest discussion and debate.
In conclusion, I urge the members of this Diet to consider my arguments with an open mind and a fair judgement. I am not a heretic or a rebel, but a faithful Christian who seeks to do the right thing. I ask for your mercy and understanding, and I pray that we can work together to reform the Church and bring it back to its original message of love, forgiveness, and salvation.
Thank you for your time and attention.
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