Martin Luther and The Protestant Reformation
Martin Luther
- In 1517, Europe was essentially entirely Catholic.
- By 1545, large sections of Europe were Protestant.
- The Reformation was the rise of this new religion.
- It was spurred by the writings of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses.
- The 95 Theses were a list of questions and concerns about the Catholic Church.
The Selling of Indulgences
- Prior to the Reformation, the Catholic Church allowed people to “buy their way into Heaven.”
- This was known as buying indulgences.
- Sins would be forgiven for the right amount of money.
95 Theses
- Luther wrote a list of 95 arguments against current Church practices.
- Most notably, against the sale of “Indulgences.”
- Also, the Bible was the final authority of Christian truth.
- In 1517, he nailed the 95 Theses to the doors of a church in Wittenberg, Germany.
Luther’s Ideas and Church Reaction
- Luther's Ideas:
- Considered heretical by the Church.
- Resulted in Luther's excommunication.
- Luther Gained Support:
- Many German princes read the 95 Theses.
- These princes protected and hid Luther.
- They helped spread his ideas.
- Luther's followers would become known as “Lutherans.”
Central Historical Question
- Why did Martin Luther challenge the Catholic Church?