Ninety-Five Theses

Definition

A list of propositions for an academic disputation written in 1517 by Martin Luther that criticized indulgences and other practices within the Catholic Church. It is widely regarded as sparking the Protestant Reformation.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a game but you think there are flaws in its rules. So you write down 95 points where you believe improvements can be made - this is what Martin Luther did with his Ninety-Five Theses to challenge what he saw as problems within the Catholic Church.

Related terms

Disputation: A formal debate or argument about specific points or topics.

Heresy: Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine; often how criticisms like those in Ninety-Five Theses were viewed at their time.

Protestant Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century that resulted in the creation of Protestant churches, sparked by Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses.