Did the primary source reveal attitudes or beliefs of this era?
This primary source revealed certain attitudes or beliefs surrounding purgatory and penance held within this era. It suggests that it was common practice to buy and sell indulgences, and that it was generally accepted by the faith that the Pope held power over purgatory. The source also suggests a more self-serving interpretation of the faith, with Christians being more concerned with securing their fates than helping one another.
Which questions can this source help me answer? Which can it not?
This source can help me answer questions about what Martin Luther's 95 Theses was, as well as his big ideas surrounding indulgences and other practices within the Church. This source also indicates some values and beliefs of the past, specifically the conflicts between the Church's interpretation of the faith versus monks like Martin Luther. The source cannot reveal whether Luther's 95 Theses resulted in change, or provide evidence for its historical impact and significance.
Whose perspective does it reflect?
The Ninety-Five Theses reflects the perspective of Martin Luther, a German monk who disagreed the practices of the Church and Pope Leo X in the 1500s. The source reflects a judgement of the Church's corruption, and focuses on a more generous and christian interpretation of the Bible and faith.
What are the big ideas?
The big ideas within Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses include that selling indulgences, specifically to fund Leo X's building of St. Peter's is wrong and that the Bible is the only christian authority. Luther proposes that christians should be directed to donate to the poor rather than attempt to purchase indulgences. Another important idea is that popes do not possess power over purgatory.
Who wrote it? Why?
The Ninety-Five Theses is a list of propositions challenging the selling of indulgences by the Church, written by Martin Luther in 1517. Luther wrote the Ninety-Five Theses to generate debate surrounding indulgences, among other Church practices.
Did the primary source result in change?
Martin Luther's 95 Theses is considered the beginning of the Protestant Revolution, which transformed European politics, society, culture, and religion.
Whose perspectives are omitted/questioned/challenged?
The perspective of the Church and the Pope is both omitted and challenged in Luther's 95 Theses. While Luther does not include the first-hand perspective or motives of the Church in their selling of indulgences in his theses, he does considerably question and criticise the practice.
What ideas are left out?
Martin Luther excluded mention of the Church's colonisation of the world which began in 15th century Europe in his critique of the corruption and abuse within the Roman Catholic Church.
How does the author communicate ideas?
Martin Luther communicates his ideas using a numbered list (The 95 Theses) with language that was easily understood by churchgoers and which sparked the Protestant Reformation.
What does it look like?
Martin Luther's 95 Theses is a historic looking list, written on scroll in Latin using ink and a quill. The paper was then nailed to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany.
