> Question is why reformations started at that particular time and why Luther was so successful and several reformations before him failed. I think the reason

> Question is why reformations started at that particular time and why Luther was so successful and several reformations before him failed. I think the reason why Luther was successful is he was the first to die of natural causes. Also it was the wood cutting. Most people were illiterate but the pictures could tell you who the good guys vs the bad guys very easily. Also these and illustrations were EPIC. Sadly my favorite isn't easily findable. He has the Pope with a trumpet up his arse. This one will do http://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/justintaylor/files/2014/10/Papal_Belvedere-300x388.jpg http://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/justintaylor/files/2014/... As someone that was on track for a PhD in Historical Theology (Yes that is an actual actual discipline). So this is right up my ally! I LOVE Martin Luther and most Christians today would have hated good old Martin. If you can read his writings they are actually pretty amazing good reads if he isn't on full tilt rage on the Pope, hatred and lies on the Jews or the horrible Peasant Revolt. We certainly can condemn all people of history with 21st Century eyes but Martin Luther did many other things extremely well. Here is a great quote: “You say, “What comes out of our mouth must be kept!” I hear it – which mouth do you mean? The one from which the farts come? (You can keep that yourself!)” From Against the Roman Papacy, an Institution of the Devil, pg. 281 of Luther’s Works, Vol. 41 Also Johann Bugenhagen's funeral sermon for Martin Luther is normally not written with his opening of asking forgiveness for his coarse use of language and potty mouth.