Abstract:
The Protestant Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther in the 16th century, profoundly transformed the relationship between Church and State, challenging the supremacy of papal authority and driving the consolidation of national states. This dissertation aims to analyze the influence of Luther's theological thought on the relationship between these two spheres, emphasizing his main doctrines, such as the universal priesthood of believers and the doctrine of the two kingdoms. The research adopts a historical-analytical approach, based on a review of specialized literature and an analysis of the reformer's works. The dissertation is structured into three chapters: the first presents the historical and theological foundations of the Reformation; the second examines the immediate impact of Luther’s ideas on the Church-State relationship, highlighting the crisis of papal authority and the strengthening of national monarchies; and the third discusses the ongoing influence of Lutheran thought, addressing its appropriation and distortion in different political contexts, especially in totalitarian regimes. The findings indicate that Luther’s theology significantly contributed to the redefinition of power structures in the West, influencing the secularization of politics and the principles of religious autonomy. It is concluded that his legacy remains relevant to contemporary debates on secularism, democracy, and the presence of religion in the public sphere.
