Martin Luthers 95 Thesen und Folgen

Martin Luthers 95 Theses and their consequences

• The sale of indulgences (a remission of the punishment for sin) was increasing in Germany.
• The Church used the money to fund construction projects (e.g., St. Peter's Basilica) and to purchase positions (e.g., archbishoprics).
• Believers were promised the remission of sins through indulgences.
• This removed required penances after confession and reduced time in purgatory.
• Similar to promotions, indulgences were sold as "one-time opportunities" for the dead.
• This practice led to a lack of genuine remorse and repentance as the act of committing wrong actions was seen as less problematic.
• On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the Wittenberg Church, outlining his concerns about indulgences.
• His intent was to initiate a discussion with colleagues.
• Pamphlets and prints spread them rapidly throughout Germany.
• This was not part of Luther's original plan.
• The theses aimed to reinstate the importance of genuine repentance.
• The indulgence system was not necessary in order to be forgiven and accepted by God, as acceptance was earned through faith alone.
• The Church reacted strongly to Luther's theses and writings, threatening excommunication.
• In 1521, Luther was placed under the ban of the Holy Roman Empire.
• The rulers of the Holy Roman Empire intended to condemn Luther and possibly put him to death.

Practices in the Late Middle Ages

• Purgatory: Penitential practice for less serious sins, a temporary form of purification before heaven.
• Confession: Method for absolution of sins.
• Penances: Acts of atonement for sins.
• Indulgences: Forgiveness of sins through prayers, good works, and charitable actions, reducing time in Purgatory.
• The "remission of punishments" for sins.