Final answer:
Chaucer's portrayal of the Pardoner suggests that the medieval church was both devoted and corrupt, a claim further evidenced by Martin Luther's critique of indulgences and calls for reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chaucer's characterization of the Pardoner in The Pardoner's Prologue leads the reader to infer that the medieval church was marked by devotion as well as corruption.
This dual nature is evident in the use of indulgences, which were intended as spiritual rewards for acts of charity but became a source of unethical profit through their sale, epitomized by the actions of pardoners like the one in Chaucer's tale.
The historical context of Martin Luther's condemnation of this practice, particularly through his Ninety-five Theses, highlighted the controversy surrounding indulgences and the broader issues of ecclesiastical authority and the salvation of souls, driving a burgeoning desire for reform within the church.
Luther's objections centered on the belief that only God could grant forgiveness, and he criticized the church's practice of selling indulgences as a means to raise funds, as was done to rebuild St. Peter's Basilica.
His stance was a crucial element of the Reformation, challenging the notion that the pope could control purgatory and distribute the surplus merit of Jesus and the saints to others.
In the realm of medieval Christianity, the power of the church, including the clergy and the pope, greatly influenced people's lives through the administration of sacraments, which were seen as the only path to spiritual salvation.
Despite this, the practices of pardoners like the one in Chaucer's work, and the criticisms by figures like Martin Luther, reveal a critical perspective on the corruption within the church, against a backdrop of widespread faith and devotion among the populace.