Two events in 1516-1517 CE unexpectedly altered the field of biblical studies for all time.  Yesterday I discussed the first published edition of the Greek New Testament by Erasmus (1516); today I discuss the “95 Theses” of Martin Luther.  Neither scholar would likely have approved the tenets or conclusions of historical criticism that emerged from the foundation they laid.  But emerge they did.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, an Augustinian friar and ordained Catholic priest, posted his “95 theses” – traditionally said to have nailed them to the door of All Saints Church in Wittenburg.  This moment is usually regarded as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, even though Luther had no plans/intentions to break off from the Catholic church at this point.  He was wanting reform from within, specifically with respect to the collection of “indulgences” to pay for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Indulgences were the system by which someone could donate money to the church to reduce their time in Purgatory.

Purgatory itself

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