Martin Luther posted 95 theses criticizing the Catholic Church's sale of indulgences and doctrine of salvation by faith and works in 1517. This sparked the Protestant Reformation by challenging the Pope's authority and corruption. Luther's ideas spread widely through the new printing press, gaining support and leading to the founding of new Christian churches not under papal authority.

1. Reformation

2. Why reform? Popes corrupted by power & lose focus of spiritual leadership People wanted to know how to save souls Indulgences –a release of a soul from purgatory for monetary donation – a HUGE abuse of Church power!

3. More Causes Church Leaders were becoming too interested in worldly possessions Renaissance emphasis on the secular and the individual challenged the Churches Authority

4. The Pope’s Corruption The Pope spent too much money on the arts Spent on personal pleasure Fought Wars Pope Alexander VI fathered several children Priests were uneducated, drank, and gambled http://www.history.com/videos/martin-luther-sparks-a-revolution#martin-luther-sparks-a-revolution

5. MARTIN LUTHER German Priest Saw problems in the Church All he wanted was to be a good Christian Church believed salvation gained from faith + good work Luther thought faith alone gained salvation Oct 31, 1517 – Posted 95 Theses

6. 95 Thesis Attacked the “Pardon Merchants” Lead to the Founding of Christian Churches that did not accept the Pope’s authority Posted on church door in Wittenburg, Germany Thousands of copies distributed throughout Germany

7. 95 Theses: Posted them to the door Text http://www1.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=123559

8. Lutheranism Followers of Luther’s religious practices Gained support of many German princes 1524, German peasants revolted & hoped Luther would support them, because Luther needed the princes’ support, he did not help the peasants Germany in turmoil – Catholic? Lutheran?

9. “ I do not accept the authority of popes and councils… my conscience is captive to the word of God. …Here I stand and I can not do otherwise. God help me. Amen. ” – Martin Luther April 18 th , 1521

10. Read Handout and Answer Questions Do you think Martin Luther was a reformer or a revolutionary? Do you agree with Luther’s views? What invention helped spread his ideas? Why do you think the reformation was so successful?

11. Luther’s 95 Theses was a description of the 95 problems that he had with the Catholic Church and the way they were acting. Create your own 5 Theses of things that you would change directed toward something or someone specific in your life. example...school, parents, coach, government.