What was Luther's critique of the Catholic Church?

Luther criticised the Catholic Church for its corruption, sale of indulgences, and its interpretation of salvation.

Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, is best known for his Ninety-Five Theses, which he reportedly nailed to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517. This act is often considered the start of the Protestant Reformation. Luther's main critique of the Catholic Church was its corruption, particularly the sale of indulgences. Indulgences were payments made to the Church that were believed to reduce the amount of punishment one had to undergo for sins. Luther argued that this practice was not only corrupt but also contradicted the Bible's teachings on salvation.

Luther's critique extended to the Church's interpretation of salvation. The Catholic Church taught that salvation was achieved through faith and good works, including the sacraments and acts of penance. Luther, however, believed in 'sola fide' or 'faith alone'. He argued that salvation was a free gift from God, received only through faith in Jesus Christ, and not something that could be earned through good works or purchased through indulgences.

Furthermore, Luther criticised the Church's hierarchy and the absolute authority of the Pope. He believed that the Bible, not the Pope, was the ultimate authority on Christian doctrine. This belief led him to translate the Bible into German, making it accessible to ordinary people for the first time. He argued that all Christians had the right to interpret the Bible for themselves, a principle known as 'the priesthood of all believers'.

Luther's critique of the Catholic Church was revolutionary for its time. It challenged the Church's authority and its teachings, leading to a schism in Christianity and the formation of Protestant churches. His ideas continue to influence Christian thought and practice today.