In reply to Jeff Kemper.

In reality, although many left the Catholic Church, a sizable number returned after the Peasants' Rebellion, feeling betrayed by Luther's support of law and order and the German Princes. The Roman Catholic Counter Reformation lured some back by promising some reforms and an end to excessive tithes and the sale of indulgences and "get out of purgatory" free passes. The theological differences between Catholics and Lutherans seemed to be only of a main concern to devout believers and theologians. Many followed either denomination for political reasons and security, as German society devolved into provinces governed by Catholic or Protestant loyalists. Sectarian warfare between Protestants and Catholics over several decades resulted in much bloodletting, hurting the cause of the Gospel rather than helping to nurture it. History can be interesting, and in examining it rigorously, we find we must test our views of events in light of all relevant factors. Much good came out of the Reformation, but the price was high, and many believers died at the hands of fellow Christians. We wish the history was more pleasing, however, it was not. We are fallen creatures of a fallen race in need of God's grace, and our noblest efforts are subject to being tainted.