The Colonial Period is full of influential people who help shape today's society by challenging past beliefs. Martin Luther leads the Protestant Reformation. John Calvin develops the idea of ​​predestination. The Puritans lived strictly by the word of the Bible and the Quakers attracted many people to join them in their friendly lifestyle. All of these people contribute to our society today and brave adversity. Martin Luther, born in 1483, came from a poor upbringing. Religious as a child, Martin Luther earned his salary by singing hymns. He later entered the Augustinian monastery and became a monk. However, he fails to gain the solace of this lifestyle as his fellow monks do (Project Gutenberg Literary Archive, Foundation 2). Martin Luther is finally invited by a friend to read the Bible. In the Bible he found spiritual relief and his ideals were completely reformed. He now believes that heaven is granted to those who have faith and not by their own works (Cowie 26). In 1517, Martin Luther compiled a list called the Ninety-five Theses and hammered it on the door of Wittenberg Castle Church. Many people at this time were therefore unhappy with the authority of the Church; the Protestant Reformation breaks out in Germany. Although Martin Luther did not intend to create an uproar, he remained convinced that the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church were false (Cowie 28-29). As the course of history unfolds, society generally strives to learn from the mistakes of the past. . The American colonists realized many years later how influential a statement of disagreement such as Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses could be. Colonists fight for independence amid religious delirium...... middle of paper ......e Journal. Internet. August 24, 2011. “John Calvin – Calvin College.” Calvin College - Minds in the Making. Internet. August 24, 2011. “Pilgrims and Puritans: Context.” American Studies at the University of Virginia. Internet. August 26, 2011. .Project Gutenberg Literary Archives, Foundation. “Martin Luther: the Protestant Reformation. » The Lighthouses of History, Vol. 6 (2006): 67-78. Historical reference center. EBSCO. Internet. August 20, 2011. “Puritanism, Puritans.” Public services - social, religious, scientific, products, environment. Internet. August 24, 2011. “Religion in Colonial America.” American Academic History. Internet. August 25. 2011. .