Martin Luther's 95 Theses cover art

Martin Luther's 95 Theses

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Luther’s 95 Theses, written in Latin, were famously posted by Martin Luther on the door of the Castle Church, Wittenberg, on October 31, 1517, an event that came to be considered as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. The Theses focus on three main issues: selling forgiveness through indulgences, the pope’s claimed power of forgiveness, and the damage indulgences caused to sinners. The first thesis states, "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, "Repent," he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance."

The indulgence controversy set off by the Theses was the beginning of the Reformation, a schism in the Roman Catholic Church which initiated profound and lasting social and political change in Europe. Owing to the fact that printing had been invented, the Theses were translated into German and circulated widely, to became a manifesto with a lasting impact.

Public Domain (P)2020 Museum Audiobooks
Christianity History
All stars
Most relevant
but also several documents from around that time, including his letter to Pope Leo explaining himself.

I enjoyed the clear narration. I received more insight into the text of the 95 Theses themselves and also the historical context.

I was quite surprised at how Catholic and ready to be part of the Roman church Luther was at that point. Instead of someone seeing himself as causing an exodus from the Church or making a new denomination, it is clear all Luther was seeking to do was to reform within the church.

And that, even locally. Until it went viral...

Not just the 95 Theses

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