The Reformation

Martin Luther (1483 - 1546) was a monk who challenged many of the assumptions of medieval Christians. He thought that the church's requirements for receiving salvation were too demanding. He believed that salvation was God's gift to his followers who were faithful. He used the New Testament to back up his claims, and gained many supporters. He also challenged the Catholic church and their practices of selling indulgences to people. He did not believe that indulgences would forgive him of his sins - only God can do that. He knew that the only way to be forgiven was to ask for forgiveness, repent, and live a life of faith. The night before All Saints Day, Martin Luther nailed a copy of the Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg. His theses were a written and organized proclamation of his beliefs and they spread rapidly because of the new printing technology. Again, he gained followers and they separated from the Catholic church.