95 Theses

95 Theses

Martin Luther’s 95 Theses are known as the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation. Luther’s writings consisted mostly of pamphlets, which were the primary method of debate during the Reformation. Luther translated the Bible into German and encouraged each individual to read the Bible and create his or her own interpretation. Luther saw major problems in the Catholic Church, mainly focused around his belief that the Church misinterpreted and sometimes blatantly ignored Scripture. Luther attacked the top of the Church hierarchy and believed in salvation by faith alone, reaching heaven not through indulgences or self-sacrifice but through pure belief and faith. Luther’s ideals spread quickly throughout Europe, aided by the printing press, and by 1521, Lutheranism was a powerful force that considered the Pope to be the antichrist and denounced the abuses and corruption of the clergy. The 95 Theses are considered the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

Martin Luther

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1517