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History & Civics

Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety Five Thesis on the church door in Wittenburg and directly challenged the sale of indulgence. His actions immediately attracted the attention of all Europe. Engels described Luther's revolt against the Roman Catholic Church as 'Luther's lightning struck home'."

(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/72251/1/Unit-9.pdf)

(a) Why did Martin Luther revolt against the Catholic Church?

(b) Why did Martin Luther object to the sale of indulgences by Tetzel in Wittenberg?

Reformation

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Answer

(a) Martin Luther went to Rome in 1512 CE on an official mission, and was stunned to see that the Pope had adopted the lifestyle of an Italian prince, living luxuriously. The corrupt practices of the Church and immoral life of the clergymen led him to revolt against the Catholic Church.

(b) Tetzel was sent by Pope Julius II to sell 'Indulgences' in Wittenberg to collect funds in order to rebuild St. Peter's Church at Rome. The people were told that if they bought the 'Indulgences' by paying heavy amounts to the Church they would be absolved of their sins and saved from the fire of hell. Luther, on the other hand, thought that 'Indulgences' were wrong and if men are sorry for their sins and have faith in God, He will forgive them.

Hence, Luther wrote down his objections against the sale of 'Indulgences' in Latin, in the form of 95 statements known as 'Ninety-Five Theses' and nailed them on the door of the church at Wittenberg.

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