Turning Point in History ~Martin Luther and the 95 Theses
Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther’s 95 theses
Kaitlin Alexander
Senior Division
Historical Paper
The sixteenth century, known as the Renaissance, was a time of momentous change in Europe. This time period impacted the World in many ways including the arts, music, literature, science, and religion; however religion made the biggest impact to the culture (MacCulloch, 107,2). Religion was integral to every part of the culture; the image of Christ was the focal point its paintings, the Church was part of government, and sponsor of architecture. The Roman Catholic Church was the most extensive and powerful institution in Europe during the Renaissance. The seeds of religious turmoil were the result of corruption in the Roman Catholic Church. Priests and religious leaders started to become greedy with their power. Being the only ones that could read the Bible because translations were only in Latin, they started misquoting the Bible for their own personal advantage. One major issue of corruption were indulgences which were documents issued by the Roman Catholic Church that were used to redeem sins(Estep, William R, 117). Martin Luther realized indulgences were not mentioned in the Bible and he decided to go against the teachings of the Catholic Church by writing the 95 Theses which led to the Protestant Reformation (Thompson, Stephan P, 15-16).The history of Martin Luther and the 95 theses represents a major turning point in world history because the Protestant Reformation started by Martin Luther reshaped the political and social life of European Society.
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483 in Eisleban, Saxony (Germany). His father wanted him to be successful in life. He made sure his son attended Latin school in order to have a great education (Estep, William R, 113-114) His father was determined for him to be a lawyer, but Martin had different plans; he wanted to dedicate his life to God. (Bainton, Roland H,1976).He became a monk and he entered the
Kaitlin Alexander
Senior Division
Historical Paper
The sixteenth century, known as the Renaissance, was a time of momentous change in Europe. This time period impacted the World in many ways including the arts, music, literature, science, and religion; however religion made the biggest impact to the culture (MacCulloch, 107,2). Religion was integral to every part of the culture; the image of Christ was the focal point its paintings, the Church was part of government, and sponsor of architecture. The Roman Catholic Church was the most extensive and powerful institution in Europe during the Renaissance. The seeds of religious turmoil were the result of corruption in the Roman Catholic Church. Priests and religious leaders started to become greedy with their power. Being the only ones that could read the Bible because translations were only in Latin, they started misquoting the Bible for their own personal advantage. One major issue of corruption were indulgences which were documents issued by the Roman Catholic Church that were used to redeem sins(Estep, William R, 117). Martin Luther realized indulgences were not mentioned in the Bible and he decided to go against the teachings of the Catholic Church by writing the 95 Theses which led to the Protestant Reformation (Thompson, Stephan P, 15-16).The history of Martin Luther and the 95 theses represents a major turning point in world history because the Protestant Reformation started by Martin Luther reshaped the political and social life of European Society.
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483 in Eisleban, Saxony (Germany). His father wanted him to be successful in life. He made sure his son attended Latin school in order to have a great education (Estep, William R, 113-114) His father was determined for him to be a lawyer, but Martin had different plans; he wanted to dedicate his life to God. (Bainton, Roland H,1976).He became a monk and he entered the
Citations: Secondary Source “95 Theses” 8, October 2012. http://www.theopedia.com/95_Theses Martin Luther posted the 95 these on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. The castle doors were used as church bulletin boards this started the Protestant Reformation. “Wittenberg Martin Luther and the 95 theses.” 8, October 2012. http://www.uncommon-travel-germany.com/wittenberg.html Wittenberg Germany is the city were Martin Luther lived and preached. Victors still come from all over the world to see this historic city. Ganss,Henry. “Johann Tetzel.” The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 14. New York : Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 14 Oct. 2012 http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14539a.htm. Johann Tetzel was one of the first priests to advertise the sale of indulgences saying they would bring full forgiveness for one’s sins or release from purgatory for a loved one. His teachings urged Martin Luther to write the 95 theses.