The Protestant Reformation The writings and actions of Martin
Luther form a critical piece of history relative to the
Astronomy Revolution, even though he was a Catholic monk
desiring reforms within the Church. While he did not directly
affect the science of Astronomy, his courage to speak out
against the institution of the Roman Catholic Church. His
courage to take such a stand was part of the reason why a Polish
Canon named Nicholas Copernicus was able to take his stand. The
material contained in this section is as unbiased an attempt as
possible to present the truth in the history of the intervening
years between Ptolemy's Almagast and de Revolutionibus ... a
period of almost 1400 years. It is hoped that the truth is
presented as accurately as possible, and that you will be
encouraged by the reading of the accounts of Martin Luther and
Copernicus to believe that you too can make a difference in the
world. Reformation is the result of the Martin Luther's 95
Theses in 1517 against the sale of indulgences. It