Reformation or Re-Branding?
October 31st, 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther published his 95-theses document challenging doctrines of the Catholic church. The importance placed on the practice of selling indulgences, the false security it gave to those who purchased them and the true destination of the collected money offended Luther.
Martin Luther’s 95 Theses
Martin Luther’s 2nd thesis states “This word (“repent”) cannot be understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, that is, confession and satisfaction, as administered by the clergy.” Thesis 35 states “They who teach that contrition is not necessary on the part of those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy confessional privileges, preach unchristian doctrine.”
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