Luther's Critique of the Catholic Church
- 1. Luther's Critique of the Catholic Church marked a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity and the broader socio-political landscape of Europe during the 16th century. Central to his critique was the idea that the Church had strayed from the core tenets of the Gospel, primarily through the sale of indulgences, which he regarded as a corrupt practice that exploited the faithful's desire for absolution. In his seminal work, the 'Ninety-Five Theses', Luther challenged the authority of the Pope and emphasized the doctrine of justification by faith alone, arguing that salvation could not be purchased or earned through human works but was a divine gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. He condemned the Church's reliance on tradition and the sacraments as vehicles of grace, advocating instead for a return to the Scriptures as the sole authority in matters of faith, a principle known as sola scriptura. Luther's bold stance against the ecclesiastical hierarchy sparked a seismic shift in religious thought, leading to the Protestant Reformation and the establishment of various Protestant denominations that sought to reform the perceived excesses and moral failings of the Catholic Church. His critique not only resonated with the theological sentiments of many but also had profound implications for the societal and political structures of the time, challenging the Church's role as not just a religious authority but a significant power broker in European politics.
What year did Martin Luther publish the 95 Theses?
A) 1530
B) 1492
C) 1521
D) 1517
- 2. Which council condemned Luther's teachings?
A) Council of Trent
B) Council of Nicaea
C) Diet of Worms
D) First Vatican Council
- 3. What did Luther emphasize about scripture?
A) Papal infallibility
B) The authority of the Pope
C) Sacred tradition
D) Sola Scriptura (scripture alone)
- 4. Which language did Luther translate the Bible into?
A) French
B) Italian
C) Latin
D) German
- 5. Which term refers to Luther's idea that God's grace is given freely?
A) Works-oriented
B) Faith through deeds
C) Grace alone
D) Merit-based
- 6. What was the outcome for Luther after the Diet of Worms?
A) He renounced his views.
B) He was made a cardinal.
C) He was jailed.
D) He was excommunicated.
- 7. Which book did Luther write to explain his views on Christian freedom?
A) The Bondage of the Will
B) The Large Catechism
C) On the Freedom of a Christian
D) The Small Catechism
- 8. Who was the Holy Roman Emperor at the time of Luther's trial?
A) Charles V
B) Maximilian I
C) Frederick III
D) Henry VIII
- 9. What doctrine of the church did Luther challenge?
A) Baptism of infants
B) Transubstantiation
C) Original sin
D) Christ's resurrection
- 10. Which of the following was a result of Luther's reforms?
A) Formation of new Protestant denominations.
B) End of religious conflict in Europe.
C) Return to Catholic practices.
D) Unification of all Christian churches.
- 11. Luther was excommunicated by which pope?
A) Pope Leo X
B) Pope Julius II
C) Pope Urban II
D) Pope Paul III
- 12. What was the significance of the Diet of Worms in 1521?
A) The Bible was banned.
B) Luther refused to recant his teachings.
C) The Catholic Church split in two.
D) Luther was crowned emperor.
- 13. Luther argued against the sale of what as a means of gaining salvation?
A) Priestly blessings
B) Indulgences
C) Relics
D) Masses
- 14. Which document outlined Luther's main beliefs about salvation and church practices?
A) The Peace of Augsburg
B) The Ninety-Five Theses
C) The Augsburg Confession
D) The Council of Trent
- 15. Luther translated the New Testament into German in what year?
A) 1546
B) 1530
C) 1522
D) 1517
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