Advanced Placement-Style United States History
  Question of the Day--Answer and Explanation

Martin Luther Nailing the 95 Theses
on the Wittenberg Church Door, 1517
  Image Source: Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Question 956:

Martin Luther's concept of the priesthood of all believers
 
    (A)  had minimal impact on Christianity in Europe or America
    (B)  encouraged a deferential and respectful view towards both religious and political authorities
    (C)  helped spur an attitude of independent thinking in both religious and political affairs
    (D)  strengthened the power of the Roman Catholic Church
    (E)  led to Protestant worship of the Virgin Mary

Answer:
       (C)  helped spur an attitude of independent thinking in both religious and political affairs
Explanation:

The concept of the priesthood of all believers, that all Christians had direct access to God and did not need a priest to intercede on their behalf, was one of Luther's most important contributions to Christian thought. While encouraging a splintering from the Roman Catholic Church by Luther and others who were troubled by its teachings and practices, it also led to dissidents who later broke with Luther. Many of the early immigrants to America sought religious freedom, as their beliefs often ran contrary to the ruling religious powers in Europe. The priesthood of all believers also provided a powerful boost to the development of democratic thinking in the American colonies, as a challenge to political authority proved to be a natural companion to a challenge to religious authority.
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