18 Nov Assignment 1d: Martin Luther’s 95 Response

Assignment 1d: Martin Luther’s 95 Response

Objective: Summarize Martin Luther’s theological position on Indulgences.

Mindset: Appreciate how the debate on indulgences expanded to a larger critique of the role of grace and justification.

Instructions

Born in Eisleben, Germany, Luther’s father wanted his son to be a lawyer. On one fateful night, however, he was caught in a thunderstorm and feared for his life. Even worse, he was uncertain of his salvation and moved into a monastery. Gradually, through his study of Romans, Luther came to a growing realization that salvation was rooted in faith, not works. However, what prompted the immediate writing of his 95 Theses was the selling of indulgences by Johann Tetzel. An indulgence exempted someone from a work of penitence or work of satisfaction. For Luther, this traded biblical faith for human works. In response, Luther nailed his 95 Theses – also called 95 Protests – against the sale of indulgences on the door of the Wittenberg Church. This was a common practice since church doors served as forums for public notices. Though not his intent, his actions set in motion a chain reaction that led to the severing of ties with the Catholic church and the division of Christendom into Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant wings.

Read the Primary Document: Martin Luther’s 95 Theses: http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/274/pg274-images.html (Links to an external site.)http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/274/pg274-images.html

Write a 1- 2 page double spaced paper that answers the following:

What was the immediate reason that Luther drafted his 95 Theses?

What does Luther say about the meaning of the word “penance” itself?

How does Luther claim that the Pope has overstepped Biblical authority?

You do not need a formatting style for this response.