Answer:
Fifty years ago my friends and I had a party where we read and toasted each of the 95 theses so at one point I certainly read ’em all, though granted the effect of all those shots, I don’t recall the higher numbered ones very well. In any case, don’t think the theses, which are focused on indulgences, are a very clear statement of Luther’s theology. After all, in 1517, Luther didn’t realize he was instigating the Reformation; and the full statement of salvation by faith alone and the rest came later. What made the Theses matter wasn’t doctrinal. One of the major factors in the Reformation was resentment of the financial burden the Roman church put on the German people—the indulgences were sold to finance the building of Saint Peter’s cathedral. Whatever purely religious motives the German princes had in supporting Luther’s rebellion, they definitely liked the idea of not shipping money off to Rome. The prospect of secularizing the monasteries was mighty welcome as well. No princely support, no Reformation.
Explanation:
