Unit 8A: Martin Luther

Was Martin Luther trying to start the Reformation?

No

He intended to start a theological debate, especially through his 95 Theses written in Latin for scholars.

When and where was Martin Luther born?

1483, in Germany.

What was Luther’s original career path?

He planned to become a lawyer.

What major life change did Luther make?

He joined the Augustinian monastic order.

Why wasb Luther unhappy as a monk?

He struggled with theological questions and felt he could not achieve righteousness.

What extreme practices did Luther try to become righteous?

Fasting

Sleeping on cold floors

Self-flagellation (extreme criticism of oneself).

Which part of the Bible influenced Luther most?

The New Testament, especially Paul’s letters.

What key idea did Luther develop about salvation?

Salvation comes through faith alone, not works.

What were indulgences?

Payments to the Church to reduce time in purgatory.

Why did Luther oppose indulgences?

Believed salvation could not be bought.

Purgatory

A place where souls are purified of sins before entering heaven.

Who developed the doctrine of purgatory?

Pope Gregory I (6th century).

What is the “treasury of merits”?

A store of excess good works by saints and Christ that could be distributed to others.

Who contributed to the idea of the treasury of merits?

Thomas Aquinas.

Which pope made the treasury of merits official doctrine in 1343?

Pope Clement VI

What change occurred in 1476 regarding indulgences

People could buy indulgences for souls in purgatory.

Why were indulgences heavily sold in 1515?

To fund St. Peter’s Basilica and pay Archbishop Albrecht’s debts.

Who authorized the sale of indulgences in 1515?

Pope Leo X.

Johann Tetzel

A Dominican monk who sold indulgences using emotional appeals.

What was Tetzel’s famous slogan?

“As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.”

What did Luther argue was the true treasure of the Church?

The Gospel (grace and salvation through God).

Justification by grace

Sa;vation is a free gift from God, not earned by human actions

Justification by faith

Salvation is received through faith alone

What did Luther believe about purgatory?

Purgatory does not exist

What did Luther believe about free will?

Humans lack free will and are controlled by either God or Satan.

Who disagreed with Luther on free will?

Erasmus

What metaphor did Luther use for free will?

Humans are like a beast ridden by either God or Satan.

What are the “solas” of Protestantism?

Sola Gratia (grace alone)

Sola Fide (faith alone)

Sola Scriptura (scripture alone)

What authority did Luther reject?

The authority of the Church over scripture.

What did Luther promote instead of Church authority?

Personal relationship with God and the Bible as final authority.

What reforms did Luther propose?

End indulgences

Allow clergy to marry

End monastic vows

Reject celibacy

What happened to Luther’s writings in 1520?

They were condemned and burned.

When was Luther excommunicated?

1521

Why did the Reformation spread quickly?

Printing press

Church corruption

Wealth inequality

Political support

How did the printing press help Luther?

It allowed mass distribution of his ideas.

Who supported Luther’s movement?

Urban middle classes (merchants, bankers, printers).