Ninety-five Theses (1517 )
A
series of propositions dealing with indulgences which Martin Luther drew up as
the basis for a proposed academic disputation. They were written in reaction to
abuses in the sale of a plenary indulgence by Johann Tetzel, who gave the
impression that it would not only remit the guilt and penalties of even the
most serious sins, but that its benefits could be applied to the dead in
purgatory. And also for future sins
committed! Luther challenged this teaching because it led people to believe
that forgiveness could be bought and to neglect true repentance.
The theses began by arguing that true
repentance involves a turning of the entire self to God and not simply the
desire to evade punishment. Luther also maintained that only God could remit
guilt and that indulgences could only excuse the penalties imposed by the
church. In addition, he denied the pope's power over purgatory, stated that the
believer always has true forgiveness without indulgences, and condemned the
interest shown in money rather than souls. Although written in Latin and not
intended for public distribution, the theses were translated into German and
soon spread throughout Germany. Even though they do not reveal the full
development of Luther's theology, October 31, 1517, the day they were
supposedly posted on the Wittenberg Castle Church door, has traditionally been
considered the starting point of the Reformation. Recent scholarship has
questioned both the dating of the theses and whether they were actually posted.
Although the debate has not been resolved, most scholars still accept the
traditional interpretation.
See
also MARTIN LUTHER.