The 95 Theses

The 95 Theses were a list of criticisms against the Catholic Church, written by Martin Luther in 1517. They challenged practices like the sale of indulgences, which allowed people to pay for forgiveness of sins. Luther argued that salvation comes through faith, not financial contributions. His theses sparked the Protestant Reformation, a movement that led to the emergence of Protestant denominations and significant changes in Christianity. The document emphasized the need for reform within the Church and encouraged individuals to seek a direct relationship with God, ultimately shifting religious authority away from the Church’s hierarchy.