Chapter 2
1. Source Question
This was part of a question asked on the Junior Certificate.
Study the excerpts from Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. October 31, 1517 and answer the questions that follow:
36. Any truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without indulgence letters.
47. Christians are to be taught that the buying of indulgences is a matter of free choice, not commanded.
49. Christians are to be taught that papal indulgences are useful only if they do not put their trust in them, but very harmful if they lose their fear of God because of them.
53. They are the enemies of Christ and the pope who forbid altogether the preaching of the Word of God in some churches in order that indulgences may be preached in others.
54. Injury is done to the Word of God when, in the same sermon, an equal or larger amount of time is devoted to indulgences than to the Word.
62. The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.
Source: Internet Medieval Sourcebook - www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook.htm
(a) According to Luther to what does a truly repentant Christian have a right?
(b) From the excerpts what is the true treasure of the Church?
(c) From the theses shown above, is Luther totally against the sale of indulgences?
Explain your answer.
(d) Why do you think that the Pope became alarmed by the theses?
Give two reasons for your answer.
