I found the image of the Crucifixion with Turkish Soldiers (ch. 2, p. 51) to be quite interesting.  My decision to select this image came from the mere presence of crucifixion.  Raised in a Catholic home, the image struck me as strange.  This is because there were men other than Jesus on the cross.  Although I have recognized crucifixions to take place in history, I do not recall seeing an image of one before.  Also, the painting clearly has a significant amount of symbolism within it.  The scene portrays a variety of people at various stances with a background that seems to be out in open land, but with a boarder at the top.  This shows me that the artist was looking to portray many events in one image.  I am curious to find out if those portrayed in this image are of significance, or if they are simply townspeople or soldiers.  Further, I would like to know what the three crescent moons are representing as a symbol for each of the men crucified. 





(etc.usf.edu, Accessed 9/5/2012)
Charles V, pictured above, spent a great deal of time preventing attacks, causing him to lose site of the spread of new religious ideas in Germany.  I believe that everything happens for a reason, and it is clear that without the preoccupation of Charles V, Luther's advancements would have likely been unsuccessful.

The presence of this image in the book shows that the pictured crucifixion and battle was an important event in German history.  The caption of this image discusses how Charles V was distracted by the soldiers who were crucified, therefore allowing the spread of Protestantism.  Germany is a predominantly Christian country, including the celebration of Lutheranism.  I believe that the ability to spread and practice various branches of Christianity was certainly impacted by the Turks and their attack on Europe.  A major portion of our discussion in Germany will include the rise of Luther.  Without the conflict portrayed in this image, Luther may not have been able to spread his religious views as easily, therefore changing the future of the religions practiced in Germany.  This battle certainly shows a pivotal point in German history, which I am certain we will learn more about through our discussion of Luther’s religious influence.
(http://www.nonstoptravel.net/ToEuropeTours/RootsoftheReformation.htm, Accessed 9/6/2012)
This castle in Erfurt seems to be a huge tourist spot because of its influence on re-unifying Germany.  The city was a mainstay of Luther's, and many people visit because of his time and studying that occurred in the area.  I'm excited to see the old and historical buildings and castles.  I have always enjoyed architecture, but haven't seen anything older than what I can find in Chicago!  Looking at all of the pictures of Germany will simply be unreal until I can truly take in the lay of the land and history which will stand in front of me. 

In regards to the spread of religion relating to US history, there is was a civil approach taken by believers.  Many immigrants came to the Newfoundland in order to practice their religion freely.  There was not a force preventing the practice of a particular religion, though, it has remained predominately Christian.  Certainly, there have been other religious restrictions throughout history, but a war to prevent or distract from religion has not been a part of our history.

Word Count: 399 + annotations/captions