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) 1517
B) 1530
C) 1492
D) 1521
- 2. Which council condemned Luther's teachings?
A) Council of Nicaea
B) Council of Trent
C) Diet of Worms
D) First Vatican Council
- 3. What did Luther emphasize about scripture?
A) The authority of the Pope
B) Sacred tradition
C) Sola Scriptura (scripture alone)
D) Papal infallibility
- 4. Which language did Luther translate the Bible into?
A) Latin
B) German
C) Italian
D) French
- 5. Which term refers to Luther's idea that God's grace is given freely?
A) Works-oriented
B) Grace alone
C) Faith through deeds
D) Merit-based
- 6. What was the outcome for Luther after the Diet of Worms?
A) He was made a cardinal.
B) He renounced his views.
C) He was excommunicated.
D) He was jailed.
- 7. Which document outlined Luther's main beliefs about salvation and church practices?
A) The Augsburg Confession
B) The Ninety-Five Theses
C) The Council of Trent
D) The Peace of Augsburg
- 8. Luther was excommunicated by which pope?
A) Pope Julius II
B) Pope Leo X
C) Pope Paul III
D) Pope Urban II
- 9. What was the significance of the Diet of Worms in 1521?
A) The Bible was banned.
B) The Catholic Church split in two.
C) Luther refused to recant his teachings.
D) Luther was crowned emperor.
- 10. Which of the following was a result of Luther's reforms?
A) Unification of all Christian churches.
B) End of religious conflict in Europe.
C) Return to Catholic practices.
D) Formation of new Protestant denominations.
- 11. Which book did Luther write to explain his views on Christian freedom?
A) The Bondage of the Will
B) The Small Catechism
C) On the Freedom of a Christian
D) The Large Catechism
- 12. Luther argued against the sale of what as a means of gaining salvation?
A) Indulgences
B) Relics
C) Masses
D) Priestly blessings
- 13. What doctrine of the church did Luther challenge?
A) Christ's resurrection
B) Transubstantiation
C) Baptism of infants
D) Original sin
- 14. Who was the Holy Roman Emperor at the time of Luther's trial?
A) Frederick III
B) Henry VIII
C) Maximilian I
D) Charles V
- 15. Luther translated the New Testament into German in what year?
A) 1517
B) 1530
C) 1546
D) 1522
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