Monday, April 24, 2017
95 Theses
It seems to me that Luther states his purpose for his 95 Theses quite plainly in the introduction to his work. I always thought Luther was screaming at the Catholic church with these theses, but in fact all he really wanted to do was just to talk through these ideas with someone else. I think the people who saw his work, took it the wrong way, therefore ending with his excommunication. One of the things Luther talks most about is the way the Catholic church does indulgences. He did not agree with the way indulgences were thought to save one form his/her sins. It seems to me that Luther really wanted these indulgences to be thought of (maybe) as a form of tithe. Instead, they were bought in order to buy one's salvation. All Luther wanted a change in the Catholic church, but instead he got a new change by creating Lutheranism.
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It is definitely interesting to finally read Luther's thoughts, after hearing so much about them. It is sad that he was forced from the church for simply wanting to express his thoughts and ask for change.
ReplyDeleteI feel like he wanted to set them straight, but there was really no right way to go about it. He just found the best way he thought possible.
ReplyDeleteI love this analysis you have made because it resonates with my previous understanding of Martin Luther's renowned moment of nailing the 95 theses to the church door as well. Understanding Luther's intentions to be of the greatest authenticity I think is important in recognizing that he wasn't trying to micromanage religion, but rather encourage steadfastness in the faith.
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