What was the purpose of Luther's 95 Theses?

Answer 1

The purpose of Luther's 95 theses was:

The Ninety-five Theses were a series of propositions dealing with indulgences which Martin Luther drew up as the basis for a proposed academic disputation. They were written in reaction to abuses in the sale of a plenary indulgence by Johann Tetzel, who gave the impression that it would not only remit the guilt and penalties of even the most serious sins, but that its benefits could be applied to the dead in purgatory. Luther challenged this teaching because it led people to believe that forgiveness could be bought and to neglect true repentance.

The theses began by arguing that true repentance involves a turning of the entire self to God and not simply the desire to evade punishment. Luther also maintained that only God could remit guilt and that indulgences could only excuse the penalties imposed by the church. In addition, he denied the pope's power over purgatory, stated that the believer always has true forgiveness without indulgences, and condemned the interest shown in money rather than souls. Although written in Latin and not intended for public distribution, the theses were translated into German and soon spread throughout Germany. Even though they do not reveal the full development of Luther's theology, October 31, 1517, the day they were supposedly posted on the Wittenberg Castle Church door, has traditionally been considered the starting point of the Reformation. Recent scholarship has questioned both the dating of the theses and whether they were actually posted. Although the debate has not been resolved, most scholars still accept the traditional interpretation.

Answer 2

The purpose of Luther's 95 theses was:

The Ninety-five Theses were a series of propositions dealing with indulgences which Martin Luther drew up as the basis for a proposed academic disputation. They were written in reaction to abuses in the sale of a plenary indulgence by Johann Tetzel, who gave the impression that it would not only remit the guilt and penalties of even the most serious sins, but that its benefits could be applied to the dead in purgatory. Luther challenged this teaching because it led people to believe that forgiveness could be bought and to neglect true repentance.

The theses began by arguing that true repentance involves a turning of the entire self to God and not simply the desire to evade punishment. Luther also maintained that only God could remit guilt and that indulgences could only excuse the penalties imposed by the church. In addition, he denied the pope's power over purgatory, stated that the believer always has true forgiveness without indulgences, and condemned the interest shown in money rather than souls. Although written in Latin and not intended for public distribution, the theses were translated into German and soon spread throughout Germany. Even though they do not reveal the full development of Luther's theology, October 31, 1517, the day they were supposedly posted on the Wittenberg Castle Church door, has traditionally been considered the starting point of the Reformation. Recent scholarship has questioned both the dating of the theses and whether they were actually posted. Although the debate has not been resolved, most scholars still accept the traditional interpretation.