95 Theses
Definition
The 95 Theses were a list of propositions for academic debate written by Martin Luther in 1517, criticizing the Church's sale of indulgences and other practices. This document sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Analogy
Think of the 95 Theses as a Yelp review that went viral. Just as this review might point out all the flaws in a restaurant leading to major changes, so did Luther’s Theses expose issues within the Catholic Church leading to significant reforms.
Related terms
Indulgences: As mentioned earlier, these were payments made to reduce punishment for sins - like paying off detention time at school.
Papal Authority: The Pope's power over the Catholic Church. Imagine it as being similar to how a CEO has control over their company.
Protestant Reformation: Again, this was a major movement seeking reform within corrupt practices of the Catholic Church - akin to employees staging a walkout due to unfair company policies.
"95 Theses" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (9)
Who authored the 95 Theses, a primary source document written during the Protestant Reformation?
Who among the following was instrumental in sparking the Protestant Reformation by nailing his 95 Theses to a church door in Wittenberg?
What language did Martin Luther use in writing his "95 Theses"?
What was Martin Luther's primary motive in writing the 95 Theses?
Who authored "95 Theses," a document that sparked widespread debate and led to significant religious reform?
How might the religious landscape of Europe have transformed if Martin Luther had chosen not to post his 95 Theses in 1517?
What was Martin Luther's primary purpose for writing his 95 Theses during the Protestant Reformation?
What could influence Martin Luther's point of view in his "95 Theses" against the Catholic Church during Reformation?
What did Martin Luther criticize in his 95 Theses?
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