Publisher’s Description

To combat abuses in the church of his day, Martin Luther drafted nearly a hundred propositions for public debate. The young German monk posted these “theses” on the church door in Wittenberg, an action that helped to give birth to the Reformation.

Nearly everyone has heard of the Ninety-Five Theses, but few have read it. “This is such a crucial text,” writes editor Stephen J. Nichols, “that it deserves to be read widely.” He has written an illuminating introduction and many explanatory notes (conveniently located on facing pages), putting Luther’s classic statement in everyone’s reach.

“Martin Luther has left a legacy that continues to enrich the church through his writings …,” writes Nichols. “All of this may be traced back to the last day in October 1517 and the nailing of the Ninety-Five Theses to the church door.”

To combat abuses in the church of his day, a young German monk drafted nearly one hundred propositions for public debate. Martin Luther posted these theses on the church door in Wittenberg, an action that helped to give birth to the Reformation.

Many people have heard of the Ninety-Five Theses, but few have read it. Yet it is a crucial texta bold and stirring challenge to one of the largest political and ecclesiastical machines this world has ever seen. This complete reproduction includes an introduction and extensive annotations to explain the context and meaning of a short, simple work that changed the course of history.