Five hundred years ago today (Oct. 31) an obscure Catholic scholar posted a document raising questions about the church's policies and teachings. Martin Luther’s commentary sparked the Protestant Reformation.
But the impact of Luther's 95 Theses spread far beyond the theological realm. It shook European society and played a role in the development of modern concepts such as freedom, equality before the law, self-governance, and separation of church and state.
Luther was excommunicated from the Church, and many secular authorities were outraged. Within four years, Emperor Charles V personally presided over a trial, and Luther was ordered to recant his writings. He refused and fled to live under the protection of a German prince.[1]
Footnotes:
- History, "Martin Luther and the 95 Theses," accessed October 30, 2017
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