Final answer:
No, the sinful actions of the members do not remove the marks of the church, which are divine and not dependent on the perfection of its members, as seen in Christian doctrine, Martin Luther's teachings, and other religious texts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Do the sinful actions of the members of the church remove the marks of the church? This is a complex question that intersects with theology, ethics, and church history. According to Christian doctrine, the Church is marked by characteristics such as one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic. These marks are believed to be endowed by God and not dependent on the perfection of its members. Furthermore, Christianity teaches that all humans are sinful by nature and only through divine grace can they be redeemed.
When considering the works of Martin Luther, one can see that he emphasized the importance of contrition and forgiveness, aligning with traditional Catholic teachings at the time. Luther's main contention with the Catholic Church was its practices rather than its core doctrine of sin and forgiveness. This is evident in his Ninety-Five Theses, where he argues against the sale of indulgences but not the necessity of repentance. His criticisms were often directed towards the institutional abuses rather than the theological foundations regarding sin and redemption.
In other religious texts, such as the Qur'an, the concept of sin and divine forgiveness is also significant. It presents the idea that God forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills, indicating that divine justice and mercy are solely at God's discretion. This belief further leads to the understanding that the sinful actions of individuals do not diminish the divine nature of religious institutions, which are seen as separate from the follies of their adherents.
Thus, while the sinful deeds of church members do not erase the defining marks of the Church, they can affect its credibility and the faith of its followers. Despite this, the process of forgiveness and redemption is central to the faith, offering a means to restore both individuals and the communal body.