Martin Luther – Life, 95 Theses & the Protestant Reformation

Martin Luther, a German monk, famously nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg. Far from a simple pamphlet or a treatise for the general public, Luther’s work was an academic challenge to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly its practice of selling indulgences—essentially allowing people to pay for themselves and their loved ones' salvation. To fully grasp the significance of Luther’s dispute, it’s important to understand his personal background, as his life story was deeply intertwined with his theological opposition to Catholicism’s views on salvation. This is why we have chosen to republish Carl E. Koppenhaver's Martin Luther, alongside an English translation of the 95 Theses, which clearly summarizes the pivotal role Luther’s actions played in the divine plan for the Church’s renewal.