The colonial period is full of influential people who help shape today's society by questioning the beliefs of the past. Martin Luther leads the Protestant Reformation. John Calvin delves into the idea of ​​predestination. Puritans live strictly by the word of the Bible, and Quakers inspire many people to join them in their friendly lifestyle. All of these people contribute to our society today and face adversity. Martin Luther, born in 1483, comes from a poor upbringing. Religious as a boy, Martin Luther earned his wages by singing hymns. He subsequently entered the Augustinian monastery and became a monk. However, he is unable to draw comfort from this lifestyle as his brethren do (Gutenberg Literary Archive Project, Foundation 2). Eventually Martin Luther is invited by a friend to read the Bible. In the Bible he finds spiritual relief and his ideals are completely reformed. He now believes that heaven is granted to those who have faith and not through their own works (Cowie 26). In 1517, Martin Luther constructed a list called the Ninety-Five Theses and hammered it into the door of Wittenberg Castle Church. Many people in this period therefore resent the authority of the church; The Protestant Reformation broke out in Germany. Even though Martin Luther does not intend to create a stir, he continues to believe that the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church are wrong (Cowie 28-29). As the course of history unfolds, society typically strives to learn from the mistakes of the past. . Colonists in America, many years later, realize how influential a statement of disagreement like Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses can be. Colonists fight for independence in religious faith...... middle of paper ......and Newspaper. Network. August 24, 2011. "John Calvin - Calvin College." Calvin College - Minds in the Making. Network. August 24, 2011. "Pilgrims and Puritans: Context." American Studies at the University of Virginia. Network. 26 August 2011. Gutenberg Literary Archive Project, Foundation. “Martin Luther: the Protestant Reformation”. Lighthouses of history, vol. 6 (2006): 67-78. Historical reference center. EBSCO. Network. August 20, 2011. "Puritanism, Puritans." Public Services - Social, Religious, Scientific, Products, Environment. Network. August 24, 2011. "Religion in Colonial America." Academic American History. Network. August 25. 2011. .