Ninety-Five Theses

Name one rhetorical technique or method of persuasion that Luther uses. Do you think it is effective? Why or why not?

Think about the “Ninety-Five Theses” as a historical primary source. What do you think that it reveals about the Catholic Church in Martin Luther’s time?

In Thesis 32, Luther claims that preachers who mislead people on indulgences like John Tetzel will be damned. Using what Luther writes in the other theses, why do you think this is? What sins would Luther himself say they are guilty of?

Describe how Luther presents the pope. Based on what Luther writes, what should the pope’s role in the Catholic Church be?

How does Luther disassociate the pope from the abuse of indulgences? Do you believe he makes a convincing argument? Why or why not?

Choose one of the theses. Do you think it is particularly convincing or do you think it fails to support Luther’s argument? Why?

Luther discusses his views on the afterlife. Based on his text, what does damnation and salvation mean? How does Luther associate the afterlife with emotions?

How might someone like John Tetzel defend himself from Luther’s allegations? Write a brief response to the “Ninety-Five Theses” from the perspective of John Tetzel or another member of the clergy who might sincerely believe that indulgences do a lot of good.