Martin Luther
Attacks the Traditions of the Catholic Church
n 1516, the first disputation against the Catholic Church and the papacy began. Luther proposed, in writing, that the Grace of God through Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. Not by merits of strength of the flesh, but by the work of Christ on the cross. The Elector Fredrick at this time built a new church at Wittemberg in which Luther would be the preacher.
In the summer of 1517, Luther wrote his 99 Propositions against Pelagianism, the belief that the original sin did not taint the human nature. Pelagianists believe that men, through their good works can attain to righteousness. But Luther, in opposition to this doctrine, sent these Propositions to monasteries throughout Germany, specifically his old convent of Erfurt. This enraged certain Catholic theologians, in which must debate ensued. But Luther would not be discouraged. He continued to speak the Truth in which his next dispute would become his most famous. A disputation against indulgences, the concept of a Catholic paying his way out of purgatory. A famous saying concerning indulgences was, “the tinkle at the bottom of the chest is the sound of a soul leaving purgatory.” Utter nonsense, of course, therefore Luther posted his renowned 95 Theses.
On October 31st, 1517, the date many proclaim as the commencement of the Reformation, Martin Luther walked boldly to the new church door of Wittemberg, and posted his 95 Theses for all the world to read. No one had been informed of this announcement, and not even Luther knew of the outcome of this event. Later, Luther would often look back at this event. He was astonished at his courage, and could not understand how he ventured upon it. “I engaged in this dispute,” says he, “without premeditated purpose, without knowing it or wishing it; and was taken quite unprepared. For the truth of this I appeal to the Searcher of hearts.”
In the summer of 1517, Luther wrote his 99 Propositions against Pelagianism, the belief that the original sin did not taint the human nature. Pelagianists believe that men, through their good works can attain to righteousness. But Luther, in opposition to this doctrine, sent these Propositions to monasteries throughout Germany, specifically his old convent of Erfurt. This enraged certain Catholic theologians, in which must debate ensued. But Luther would not be discouraged. He continued to speak the Truth in which his next dispute would become his most famous. A disputation against indulgences, the concept of a Catholic paying his way out of purgatory. A famous saying concerning indulgences was, “the tinkle at the bottom of the chest is the sound of a soul leaving purgatory.” Utter nonsense, of course, therefore Luther posted his renowned 95 Theses.
On October 31st, 1517, the date many proclaim as the commencement of the Reformation, Martin Luther walked boldly to the new church door of Wittemberg, and posted his 95 Theses for all the world to read. No one had been informed of this announcement, and not even Luther knew of the outcome of this event. Later, Luther would often look back at this event. He was astonished at his courage, and could not understand how he ventured upon it. “I engaged in this dispute,” says he, “without premeditated purpose, without knowing it or wishing it; and was taken quite unprepared. For the truth of this I appeal to the Searcher of hearts.”