After a string of wars, poverty, and social unrest the people of the Renaissance error were in search of peace and guidance. Most turned to religion but found no solace in the corrupt Romanist empire, thus there was a need for a new religious path among the people. Protestantism spread rapidly through Europe due largely to three major developments in European society. The first was Martin Luther's protests against the Romanists. Luther publicized the corrupt practices of the Papacy instilling ideas of reform and adding fuel to an already existent fire of resentment. Secondly, Luther calls to power both the laity and nobles to resist the Romanists, encouraging the concept of power in faith rather than good works. Lastly, Protestantism spread rapidly due to developments in education and technology such as the printing press. When combined these factors contributed to a movement that would change not only Renaissance views of power but the course of religion.
             Martin Luther aided in the spread of Protestantism initially by outlining exactly what the people should be protesting. Though displeasure with the state of the Romanist Church had been brewing for a while amongst citizens, Luther brought it to the forefront and organized a list of what should be rebelled and why. In his works, 95 Thesis and On Christian Liberty, Luther attacked the corrupt practices of the church that led to the public dissent starting with the selling of indulgences. He reminded the people that the Bible said nothing of how paying the Pope or enslaving one's self in "good works" would bring salvation, only that faith will set one free. "Works," Luther explains "since they are irrational things cannot glorify God." Through Luther, the fraudulent practice of usurping land and power by using cardinals was also exposed. In his works, Luther reminded the people that the money they gave to the Cardinals was for nothing and that with fewer cardinals all questions of ...