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At the start of the fifteenth century, the Church was in a volatile predicament, resulting from questionable practices that had become far too commonplace. Chief among these was the practice of selling indulgences.
What is an indulgence?
Indulgences were originally intended to offer the Christian faithful a way to do something good as penance for sins. For example, making a spiritual pilgrimage can merit an indulgence.
In the early 1500s, regrettably, indulgences became seen as a magical cure for personal sins rather than a way to promote a genuine Christian lifestyle. During the Renaissance, indulgences could be bought and sold, not simply earned through good works and prayer.
Among some Church members, the selling of indulgences became a usual practice.
The most infamous seller of indulgences was a Dominican friar named Johan Tetzel. Friar Tetzel generated funds for several papal building projects, including Saint Peters Basilica in the Vatican.
In October 1517 Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. The Ninety-five Theses protested the sale of indulgences and outlined Luthers teaching on justification by faith alone. Luther wanted to invite a debate between theologians, not challenge the Church. Instead this document was the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation.
When called to Rome to account for his teachings, Luther refused to go and instead elaborated on his doctrine: Sola ScripturaScripture alone transmits Revelation (not Scripture and Tradition combined) Sola fideHumankind is justified by faith alone (not by faith and good works together) Sola gratiaSalvation comes through divine grace alone, an unearned gift from God (not through our own merit or our cooperation with Gods grace)