Martin Luther - Hero or Heretic?

In my opinion, Martin Luther was a heretic. I am not saying that because it was the side that I was given in the debate, but because of all the present facts.

Although Martin Luther was seen as a hero in the eyes of many common people of the time, he used reverse psychology, and deception to place this thought into the mind of the public. People may argue that Luther started up revolts that helped free the people; however, in reality, he sent hundreds, of thousands of innocent people to slaughter. Also, after urging the peasants to revolt, he publishes a book, and gives statements about how the peasants are not being holy, not following God's plan, and that they should be killed for their actions; the actions that he started in the first place. The other, and perhaps biggest argument on why Luther is a hero, is that he freed the people from the Church's teachings by allowing them to interpret the bible by themselves. Yet, if you examine the details, and facts, you realize, that in a way he was just like the Catholic Church. This is because Luther removed parts of the New Testament that where inconsistent with his views. He also manipulated translations by adding words to the Bible in order to clarify it, or in other words, to clarify his interpretation. Another point is that he preached the correct way of gaining salvation, how to run the church, who should run the church, etc.

Now, if we look even deeper, into Luther's way of gaining salvation, we see yet another action that contrasts with his teachings. Luther is trying to put his interpretation of the bible, and the Christian faith into the community. He states that you should not use the interpretation of the bible from others, but rather use your own. He also states that there is no need for Church officials, or any other people that work solely for the Church, such as monks, and saints. Now, he is telling the public that they should not listen to the Pope’s interpretation, who is a Church official; but they should listen to St. Paul’s, who was a missionary. Why is the Pope’s interpretation incorrect were the missionary’s is the True? Shouldn't the people get to choose their own interpretation of salvation? Who is he to decide what is right and wrong?

Finally, the greatest reason why he was not a hero but rather a heretic is an undeniable fact. Martin Luther was an exact example of a heretic based on the definition of the world. A heretic was someone who disagreed or challenged Church teachings. Luther, preached his own ideas, revolted rebelled against the corruption of the church, and converted people to Lutherism, and away from Catholicism.