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†¦show more content†¦Only two weeks after he posted the theses, Luther’s ideas spread throughout Germany and by two months they spread throughout Europe. The entirety of European society wanted to read them and many agreed or disagreed with the teachings of Martin Luther. Johann Tetzel was one of the many Catholic leaders that disagreed with Luther’s teachings and was Luther’s first public antagonist. Tetzel knew that the theses where written about him and his teachings (Ganss, Henry, 2012).When people read Luther’s theses; they soon began to realize how bad indulgences were and became very angry with Tetzel. His indulgence sales went way down and he became very upset with Luther (Estep, William R, 124-125). Martin Luther’s intent was for the pope to remove the sale of indulgences because he felt that it corrupted the Church, and he also questioned the existence of purgatory. Gabrielle Della Volta, a newly elected leader of the Augustinian monks, was another antagonist who wanted to silence Martin Luther (Estep, William R, 121-122). Pope Leo X ordered him to discipline Luther and silence the Augustinian monks in the Catholic Church. Luther, being an Augustinian monk, was not happy about this order and was summoned to appear before the German Augustinians to debate to the Church leaders. Luther never went because one of his close friends advised him not to go (122).The Catholic Church called him a heretic and excommunicated him from theShow MoreRelatedIn Class We Have Spent A Lot Of Time Learning And Discussing1100 Words   |  5 PagesIn class we have spent a lot of time learning and discussing Martin Luther’s life and the important role that he played in the protestant reformation. Martin Luther was someone who saw many issues throughout the Catholic Church. Martin Luther was a monk and scholar who was in Wittenburg. In 1517 Luther penned the 9 5 theses to the door of a catholic church this document attacked the Catholic Church’s corrupt practice of selling â€Å"indulgences† to absolve sin. 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