What key concept did Martin Luther advocate for regarding individual conscience?

Martin Luther strongly advocated for the idea of personal interpretation of scripture, which was a transformative concept during the Reformation. He believed that individuals should read and interpret the Bible for themselves rather than relying solely on the Church’s teachings or directives. This stance emphasized the importance of individual conscience and the ability of each believer to have a direct relationship with God through scripture.

Luther’s insistence on personal interpretation challenged the established authority of the Catholic Church, which had maintained that only the clergy could properly interpret the Bible. By promoting the idea that laypeople could understand and interpret biblical texts, Luther empowered individuals to assess their beliefs and spiritual practices based on their understanding of scripture, free from the mediation of Church authorities. This movement towards personal faith and interpretation not only redefined the relationship between believers and the Church but also laid the groundwork for many Protestant denominations that followed.