Read the quote from Martin Luther’s 95 Theses.
“It is certain that when the penny jingles into the money-box, gain and avarice [greed] can be increased, but the result of the intercession [prayer on behalf of another person] of the Church is in the power of God alone.”
Which important features of Luther’s teachings are expressed in this thesis? Choose the TWO correct answers.
A.
The Catholic Church is the true representative of God on Earth.
B.
The sale of indulgences leads to corruption.
C.
God alone can grant salvation to sinners.
D.
Charity and good works can lead to salvation.
E.
It is necessary to break away from the Catholic Church.
i think its B and D, or its maybe A and E
The correct answers are B and C.
B. The sale of indulgences leads to corruption: This thesis reflects Martin Luther's criticism of the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences, which he believed was corrupt and abused by those seeking financial gain.
C. God alone can grant salvation to sinners: Luther emphasizes that salvation is not obtained through monetary transactions or intercession by the Church, but rather it is a gift from God that can only be granted by Him.
The correct answers are B. The sale of indulgences leads to corruption. and C. God alone can grant salvation to sinners.
To determine these answers, let's break down the quote and relate it to Martin Luther's teachings:
"It is certain that when the penny jingles into the money-box, gain and avarice [greed] can be increased, but the result of the intercession [prayer on behalf of another person] of the Church is in the power of God alone."
In this quote, Luther criticizes the practice of selling indulgences, which were certificates sold by the Catholic Church that claimed to grant forgiveness for sins or reduce time in purgatory. Luther believed that this practice led to corruption, as people could simply pay money to obtain forgiveness, which undermined the true meaning of repentance and forgiveness in Christianity. This aligns with answer choice B.
Furthermore, Luther emphasizes that the power to grant salvation lies solely with God. He argues against the notion that the Church's intercession or prayers on behalf of others can influence one's salvation. According to Luther, salvation is obtained through faith in God's grace and not through human efforts or external rituals. This aligns with answer choice C.
Therefore, the correct answers are B. The sale of indulgences leads to corruption. and C. God alone can grant salvation to sinners.