The Protestant Reformation began with Martin Luther's 95 Theses, challenging the Catholic Church's sale of indulgences and authority to absolve sins. Luther advocated for salvation through faith and scripture, leading to religious and political shifts in Europe, the decentralization of Christian doctrine, and the rise of Protestant denominations.
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Martin Luther, a German monk and scholar, sparked the Protestant Reformation by nailing his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517
Sale of Indulgences
Luther condemned the Catholic Church's sale of indulgences as a corrupt practice that misrepresented the core principles of Christianity
Church's Prerogative to Absolve Sin
Luther's propositions contested the Church's authority to absolve sin, insisting that forgiveness was the province of God alone
Luther's 95 Theses led to his excommunication and the emergence of new Christian factions independent of the Vatican's jurisdiction, marking the beginning of the Protestant Reformation
The Catholic Church was the unrivaled Christian authority in Western Europe, exerting substantial influence over spiritual, societal, and political realms
Landownership and Services
The Church was a major landowner and provided essential services such as welfare, education, and community engagement
Influence on Monarchs
The papacy held sway over monarchs, shaping political strategies and conflicts
Understanding the Church's societal position is crucial in comprehending the full ramifications of Luther's actions and the ensuing Reformation
Luther believed that salvation and forgiveness were divine graces, not merchandise to be traded
Sacraments and Personal Belief
Luther emphasized the significance of personal belief and contrition over the sacraments administered by the Church
Translation of the Bible
Luther advocated for the translation of the Bible into common languages to democratize access to the holy texts
Luther's ideas led to the proliferation of Christian practices and doctrines, challenging the established ecclesiastical authority
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On ______ ______, ______, ______ ______ initiated a significant shift in Christian history by attaching his 95 Theses to the entrance of the Wittenberg Castle Church.
October 31
1517
Martin Luther
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Initial focus of Luther's 95 Theses
Confronted indulgence controversy; claimed sin absolution is God's domain, not Church's.
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Original language of 95 Theses
Composed in Latin, the scholarly language of the time.
