Luther, Indulgences, and the 95 Theses

Today we continue our look at Martin Luther’s life and teaching, focusing in particular on his objection to the medieval church practice that started the Reformation: the sale of indulgences. Luther expressed his objections to this practice the way scholars have expressed themselves through the centuries: by writing a paper. In this case, that paper was an invitation to debate the practice of selling indulgences that came to be called The 95 Theses, posted in Wittenberg on this day 496 years ago. Two looks, then, at that pivotal event in history.

The first is another except from the PBS documentary Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary that explains the reason and mechanics of indulgences in a brief and vivid 3 minutes.

Then second, shot and now posted in the spirit of the regularly irreverent former monk, is a fresh look at Luther and his Reformation via Xander Dominitz’s “95 Theses Rap.”

Note: 1) If you are receiving this post by video, you may need to click here to watch the video.
2) Thanks to Linda for pointing me to the 95 Theses Rap.
3) If you’re a fan of goofy Luther-inspired videos, don’t miss the Luther story set to the Bangles’ “Manic Monday.”