500th Anniversary of Protestant Reformation
The Story of Martin Luther
2017 marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting his 95 theses on the door of the castle chapel in the German town of Wittenberg – an event that has become known as the starting point of the Protestant Reformation.
Luther’s 95 Theses – Click to download
BACKGROUND TO THE NINETY-FIVE THESES
According to tradition, the Ninety-five Theses were nailed by Dr Martin Luther to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on the eve of All Saints Day (31 October) 1517. Although the Theses, which were brief assertions, dealt with several different matters, they were particularly prompted by what Luther felt were the abuses prevalent in the sale of letters known as ‘Indulgences’, which were said to shorten the length of time spent by departed believers in purgatory. Luther was an Augustinian monk who lectured in biblical theology in the new university in Wittenberg, and who had wrestled with the twin problems of how to reconcile his growing understanding of the Bible’s teachings with the traditional teachings of the church, and a more personal struggle with his own spiritual standing in the eyes of God. At some point, he came to understand that human beings are reconciled to God by God’s grace, apprehended in faith, rather than by their good works. Within days, the Theses, which were written in Latin for use by theologians, had been translated into German and were being printed and widely distributed throughout the many different territories of Germany. Traditionally, the posting of the Theses on 31 October 1517 is seen as the date when the Protestant Reformation started. This event has changed the history of the church, country, and world forever.
I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. I cannot do otherwise, here I stand, may God help me, Amen.
(Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms (1521), LW 32:112–13)
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