Martin Luther, the Ninety-Five Theses, and the Reformation

In 1517, one man forever changed the face of Christianity—and the Western world. Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, issued his 95 Theses, triggering a shockwave of change across Europe. Now, this 9-lecture audio course introduces you to Luther’s life, late-medieval theology and politics, and the ideas that sparked a revolution. Your guide is award-winning professor David Zachariah Flanagin, known for his erudite and engaging lectures.

Although he remains the most famous, Luther was by no means the first or last Christian reformer. Understanding his unique importance means situating him in the context of the larger story of Church reform. Why did indulgences become the defining issue of the Protestant Reformation?

With Prof. Zachariah, you’ll explore the three theological pillars of Luther’s thought and the Protestant tradition: justification by grace through faith alone, sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), and the priesthood of all believers. After gaining a deep understanding of these concepts, you’ll see how they differ from Catholic ideas. Finally, you’ll explore the conflicts among various reformers that were often just as contentious as those between Catholics and Protestants.

We often think of the Reformation as a matter of Catholics versus Protestants, but the truth is much more nuanced—and interesting. As you consider Luther’s context and ideas through these captivating lectures, you will transform your understanding of Christian history.

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