The Reluctant Rebel
Wittenberg
Ninety-five things worth arguing about
By 1512, Luther had become a professor of theology at the young University of Wittenberg. It was a quiet job in a small Saxon town. But Luther had grown troubled by the sale of indulgences, church letters that promised to lessen the punishment for sin, including time in purgatory. They were promoted nearby by a friar named Johann Tetzel.
On October 31, 1517, Luther wrote out ninety-five points for academic debate on the subject and sent them to his archbishop, the usual way scholars of his day proposed a debate. Tradition holds he also posted them on the door of Wittenberg's Castle Church, which doubled as the university's bulletin board. He expected a scholarly argument among theologians. Instead, printers copied his theses and spread them across Germany within weeks. The argument grew far bigger than he ever meant it to.
Play this stop
Same story, three ways to learn it.
At the kitchen table
A 10-minute guide for parents, grandparents, and mentors
You don't need the answers. Just ask, and listen.
“God of truth, give us courage and kindness tonight. Amen.”
Luther wrote ninety-five points for debate because he thought something in the church was wrong. When is it right to speak up?
Listen for
Speaking up for someone else, or about something unfair. Honor their examples.Is arguing to win different from arguing to fix something?
If they're not sure
Luther wanted to reform the church he loved, not to leave it or destroy it.What does this mean for us this week?
Why this question
It turns history into a choice: where could we speak up, kindly and clearly?
Share: Tell about a time you spoke up, or wish you had.