Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation in Europe of the 1500s

Martin Luther was a German monk, theologian and reformist. Luther played a huge role in the Protestant Reformation movement in Europe in the 1500s. He challenged the authority of the papacy by stating that the bible is the only source of religious authority. Luther believed that salvation can only be gained through faith in Jesus Christ and does not necessarily require the church’s assistance.

Luther’s stand helped spur the Protestant Reformation in the West. It was the catalyst of change that fanned discontent among Catholics.

1500’s Upheaval

In 1516-17, Johann Tetzel, a Dominican friar who served as a papal commissioner for indulgences was sent by the Roman Catholic Church to Germany for the purpose of selling indulgences to have money for the reconstruction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. “Indulgence” refers to reduction of punishment because of the forgiveness of sins. Indulgence is often granted through sacrament of confession. In the granting of indulgence the extension of merit from Treasure House of Merit occurs. This Treasure House is a collection of merits from the good deeds of saints. These merits could be sold and bought by the Catholics.

Luther protested the practice by writing a letter to Albert, Archbishop of Mainz and Magdeburg on October 31, 1517. Luther enclosed a copy of “Disputation of Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” or later referred to as The 95 Theses.

His Thesis 86 asks a very sensitive question “Why does not the pope, whose wealth today is greater than the wealth of the richest Crassus, build the basilica of St. Peter with his own money rather than the money of poor believers?”

Johann Tetzel further fueled Luther’s ire by saying “as soon as the coin the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs”. Luther refuted this claim in his letter by stating that forgiveness is God’s prerogative alone, selling indulgences and promising the absolution were not acceptable. Christians must win salvation by following Christ not by buying indulgences.

Luther posted a copy of the 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg the same day he wrote the letter which fueled the Protestant Reformation movement or known today as the Reformation Day. Within two weeks, the theses were all over Germany and in a month’s time had reached the entire Europe.

Luther’s break from the Catholic Church

Luther breaks from the Catholic Church by no fault of his own. He was excommunicated by Pope Leo X on January 3, 1521 after he refused to recant 41sentences from his writing within 60 days.