Differences between Lutherans and Catholics

[ninja]

What where/are the 95 theological issues that Martin Luther had against the Catholic Church?

[SPALATIN]

What where/are the 95 theological issues that Martin Luther had against the Catholic Church?

Most of the Theses were about the abuse of special issue indulgences to rebuild the Basilica of St. Peter.

[ninja]

could you expaned on that a little further?

[SPALATIN]

could you expaned on that a little further?

The 95 theses were written as an invitation to theological scholars to discuss them in debate.


here is a link to the Theses. Luther wanted to discuss these indulgences among his colleagues and peers. He did not know that this was the beginning of what is now known as the Reformation.

http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/history/95theses.htm

[Tertiumquid]

could you expaned on that a little further?

Sure. The 95 Theses were written because of corruption. In essence, in order to fund a building project, the papacy authorized the sale of indulgences. Luther was troubled that those he was ministering to were ignoring the good works he was directing them towards, but rather were purchasing indulgences as a means of satisfaction. They were also being purchased to alleviate suffering of those in Purgatory.The 95 Theses does not deny the validity of the indulgence. Rather, Luther attacked and exposed the abuse of the sale of indulgences.


Sometimes this information is "downplayed" by Catholics. For instance, Roman Catholics have directed me to Father Patrick O’Hare’s book, The Facts About Luther. Listen how Father O’Hare ignores the utter shambles that the Church was in, and the corruption that ensued:


“Julius II had it brought under his notice that the ancient basilica of St. Peter, which had been given to the Church by the Emperor Constantine, was now falling into decay. He determined to use the opportunity and to employ all the architectural talent of that brilliant period in order to erect a new basilica in its place, which by its magnificence should be worthy of its position as the memorial of the great Apostle and the central church of the Catholic world. Julius II commenced the work and devoted large sums to its accomplishment. These, however, were far from sufficient, and it became evident that the cost of a building of such magnitude could be defrayed only by a successful appeal to the piety of the Christian world. Accordingly, Leo X, the successor of Julius, who died in 1513, proclaimed an Indulgence; that is to say, he granted an Indulgence of a most simple kind to all, wherever they might be, who would contribute according to their means towards the expense of the rising edifice.”


Source: Father Patrick O’Hare, The Facts About Luther (Reprint 1987) Tan Publishers, 60-61

Now, the corruption of the practice of indulgences is complicated. The practice over time developed, or should I say, became corrupted. The indulgence developed from the practice of penance. The indulgence originally was a granted permission to relax or commute the penance imposed upon a repentant sinner as an outward sign of sorrow. It was the opportunity to substitute one penalty for another. The original intent was to help the penitent. Serious sins required extreme satisfaction. If the penitent was unable to perform acts of extreme satisfaction due to health reasons or extenuating circumstances, the church in its mercy allowed a substitution: often amounted to a reduction in the satisfaction required, or, as it developed giving money.

Pope Boniface VIII (14th century) made use of the idea of a “general” indulgence. Certain times a year/years (like every 100 years) pilgrims could come to Rome and could receive a general indulgence: the removal of all the penalties for their sins. This general indulgence also required one to engage in the whole scope of penance (contrition and confession) as well the payment of certain amount of money. Through this, the original intent of the personal, internalized sacrament of penance became external and commercialized. Pope Sixtus IV (1471-1484) declared that general indulgences could apply also to the dead. By this he increased money revenue.

Also worth mentioning is the development of a type of indulgence granted to soldiers who fought for the Papacy against Islam. Remember, Mohammed had let his soldiers know that everyone who died fighting for Isalm would be immediately allowed into paradise. What of the Papal army? Pope Leo IV gave assurances to his troops they would likewise receive a heavenly reward. John VIII promised those going on the crusade absolution for their sins. Leo IX used the promise of a remission of penance in his recruiting of troops. Eventually, the forgiveness granted included not only those involved in penance, but purgatory as well.

There was no complete dogma on the indulgence when Luther posted the 95 Theses. There was no official doctrine as to the effect of the indulgence upon Purgatory. Hence, Luther was not really a heretic (in official “Thus spoke Rome” terms). The Roman Catholic Church attacked Luther with no good cause. It was they who went "too far", not Luther in not addressing the situation.


Regards,
James Swan

[ninja]

That is fascinating stuff guys I new Pope Leo IV gave assurances of a heavenly reward. But the idea that you could simply buy your forgiveness that is something I never new!

[KagomeShuko]

That is fascinating stuff guys I new Pope Leo IV gave assurances of a heavenly reward. But the idea that you could simply buy your forgiveness that is something I never new!
it seems to me that it was heading towards you could buy anything from the catholic church - forgiveness, a place in heaven. . .who knows how far it would've gone if there was no challenge . . .

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[pastel]

Anytime a church goes down the path of greed for money, there is always a downfall. Even nowadays there are churches that will do anything to get people to pay up, through instilling too much guilt, fraud, and delusion. It is so sad.

[Qoheleth]

it seems to me that it was heading towards you could buy anything from the catholic church - forgiveness, a place in heaven. . .who knows how far it would've gone if there was no challenge . . .

But, lets not forget that the RC corrected the abuses concerning indulgences. Many were held accountable in the church for their wrongdoings and greed