95 Theses Analysis
By: Angeleena Prince
Primary Source Questions
What does it look like?
The 95 Theses consisted of a list of statements and propositions. The 95 Theses were originally written in Latin, but they were soon translated into German and other languages.
Who wrote the it? Why?
Author: Martin Luther
The 95 Theses were made to address what Luther saw as corruption, particularly regarding indulgences and the nature of salvation, to criticize papal authority, and to educate others.
How does the author communicate ideas?
It was originally posted outside door of the church at Wittenberg, for all to see.
The theses was a list made to educate people on how priests should act, basic Christian morals, and how buying indulgences wont get you into heaven.
Each theses was a brief statement or argument related to the issue of indulgences and the Church's teachings on salvation and was meant to simulate debates.
What are the big ideas?
The main idea was to condemn the Catholic Church for selling indulgences
and using fear to get money out of people.
What ideas are left out?
Left out are the opinions and reasonings of the Catholic Church and the people who believe in it, which may justify or answer some of the questions Martin Luther had.
Whose perspective does it reflect?
It directly reflects Martin Luther's perspective on what's right and what's wrong.
Whose perspectives are omitted/questioned/challenged?
The views of the Catholic Church were directly challenged by Martin Luther critiquing its abuse of people and instilling fear in others.
Which questions can this source help me answer? Which can it not?
Can answer
What motivated Martin Luther to write the theses?
What Were the Key Theological Concerns of Luther at That Time?
Can't answer
The political and social environment at the time.
How the poor were treated during this time.
SIgnificance Questions
Result in change
The publication of the 95 Theses resulted in the spark of the Protestant Reformation, which would result in multiple courties cutting the Catholic Church and creating hundreds of years of war between the Catholics and Protestants. It also caused the translation of the Bible from Latin to other languages, allowing poor people to access the Bible.
Revealing the past
The 95 Theses revealed what the people believed at this time and showed how large of a role the Catholic Church had in society.