95 Theses

The sixteenth-century document that changed the course of Christianity.

Monk and theology professor Martin Luther found himself in disagreement with the Roman Catholic Church on the subject of indulgences-certificates sold by the Church that promised to spare their owners from punishment for their sins. With his 95 Theses, Luther proposed a debate on the subject, but ultimately, he was excommunicated and the Protestant Reformation began.

This is both a religious document and a historical one-a turning point that marked a challenge to papal authority, set off political conflicts and bloody war in Europe, and led to the remarkable variety of Christian denominations and sects that exist in the world today.