On October 31, 1517, the German Augustinian monk Martin
Luther is said to have nailed 95 Theses to the castle church door at
Wittenburg,
Germany. Though this incident may be legendary, he definitely gave his Theses to
some friends and students. And this event, true or not, has been portrayed in
numerous manners and is the great symbol of what came to be known as the
Protestant Reformation. Listed below are some selected entries from Luther's
Theses:
Therefore, those preachers of indulgences err who say that,
by the Pope's indulgence, a man may be exempt from all punishments, and be
saved.
Yea, the Pope remits the souls in Purgatory no penalty which
they, according to the canons, would have had to pay in this life.
All penalties may be granted, it is certain that it is granted
only to those most approaching perfection, that is to very few.
Therefore the multitude is misled by the boastful promise of the
paid penalty, whereby no manner of distinction is made.
Christians should be taught that it is not the Pope's opinion
that the buying of indulgence is in any way comparable to works of charity.
Christians should be taught that he who gives to the poor, or
lends to a needy man, does better than buying indulgence. For, by the exercise
of charity, charity increases and man grows better, while by means of
indulgence, he does not become better, but only freer from punishment.
Christians should be taught that he who sees his neighbor in
distress, and nevertheless buys indulgence, is not partaking in the Pope's
pardons, but in the anger of God.
Christians should be taught that unless they are rich enough, it
is their duty to keep what is necessary for the use of their households, and by
no means to throw it away on indulgences.
Christians should be taught that the buying of indulgences is
optional and not commanded.
Christians should be taught that the Pope in selling pardons,
has more want and more desire of a devout prayer for himself than of the money.
Christians should be taught that the Pope's pardons are useful as far as one
does not put confidence in them, but on the contrary most dangerous if through
them one loses the fear of God.
