Martin Luther, a German theologian, authored the "95 Theses" in 1517, a document that had profound implications for the Western world. Luther was disturbed by what he saw as the corrupt practices of the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences. These indulgences were sold by the Church, promising the buyer or their loved one a reduced time in purgatory. Luther viewed this as a blatant manipulation of faith for monetary gain.
In response, Luther constructed a list of statements and questions that became known as the "95 Theses." On these, he challenged the notion that the pope had the authority to forgive sins, and thus the right to sell indulgences. He contended that only God could grant such pardons. Luther also raised concerns about the Church's focus on external rituals, like penance and confession, and emphasized personal faith in Jesus Christ as the true path to salvation.
Luther's 95 Theses were printed and distributed widely due to the advent of the printing press. This allowed his ideas to spread across Europe rapidly, sparking a widespread theological debate. The church condemned Luther’s theses, and he was eventually excommunicated. Nonetheless, Luther’s ideas could not be contained. His 95 Theses were viewed by many as a call for reform within the Church, and they ignited the flame that eventually became the Protestant Reformation.
This pivotal document impacted the Church's power structures, shifted religious beliefs, and ultimately altered the socio-political landscape of Western Europe. The 95 Theses remain a symbol of Luther's dedication to truth and religious reform, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Christianity.