In his published 95 theses Martin Luther protested against
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, published in 1517, primarily protested against the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church. Indulgences were payments made to the Church that were believed to reduce punishment for sins, either for oneself or for deceased loved ones. Luther argued that this practice was not only corrupt but also undermined the core tenets of Christian faith.
Luther’s main contention was that salvation could not be purchased; it was a gift from God granted through faith alone. He believed that the sale of indulgences exploited the faithful, especially the poor, who might feel compelled to buy these certificates as a way to secure their salvation. In his theses, Luther emphasized that true repentance and faith in Jesus Christ were the only means to receive God’s grace.
Additionally, Luther criticized the Church’s authority and the papacy, arguing that the Pope should not have the power to grant indulgences or forgive sins. He called for a return to a more scriptural basis for Christian life, asserting that the Bible should be the sole authority (sola scriptura) for Christians rather than Church traditions or papal decrees.
Luther’s theses sparked a significant theological debate and contributed to the Protestant Reformation, which sought to reform the perceived corruptions within the Catholic Church. His insistence on faith, grace, and the authority of scripture over Church tradition resonated with many and led to the formation of new Protestant denominations. Luther’s challenge to the Church’s practices and doctrines ultimately changed the landscape of Christianity, emphasizing individual belief and access to God without intermediary institutions.
In summary, the primary protest of Luther’s 95 Theses was against the sale of indulgences, representing a broader critique of Church practices and the need for reform based on faith and scripture.