At the beginning of the 16th century, Martin Luther, who opposed corruption in the Catholic Church and the sale of indulgences, launched the Reformation. This reform would change the Christian world forever.
The Background of the Reformation
- The sale of indulgences by the Roman Curia to fund the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica
- Public dissatisfaction with the corruption and secularization of the clergy
- An environment in which criticism could spread rapidly because of the spread of movable-type printing
- German princes supported the Reformation as a means of opposing the pope.
Luther’s “Ninety-Five Theses” (1517)
The German theologian Martin Luther posted a document criticizing indulgences, “The Ninety-Five Theses,” on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg (October 31, 1517).
The core of his argument: “Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura)” and “faith alone (Sola Fide).” He argued that people could read the Bible for themselves and be saved through faith, rejecting the authority and mediation of the Church.
Luther translated the Bible into German so that ordinary believers could read it as well.
The German theologian Martin Luther posted a document criticizing indulgences, “The Ninety-Five Theses,” on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg (October 31, 1517).
The core of his argument: “Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura)” and “faith alone (Sola Fide).” He argued that people could read the Bible for themselves and be saved through faith, rejecting the authority and mediation of the Church.
Luther translated the Bible into German so that ordinary believers could read it as well.
The Birth of Protestantism
Although Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther, Luther continued the Reformation under the protection of the German princes. Those who followed Luther were called Protestants (“those who protest”), and they spread in various regions as a new branch independent of Catholicism.
Practice
- Give the direct cause of Luther’s beginning the Reformation (the subject he criticized).
- Explain the meaning of Luther’s claims, “Scripture alone” and “faith alone.”
- Give the reason Luther was able to continue the Reformation even after being excommunicated.