How Did The 95 Theses Affect Society

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Literature is a written form of art and has been a channel to express beliefs and opinions. Back in the 15th century, the invention of the printing press revolutionized Western Europe and greatly promoted different subjects through literature. Furthermore, this was the case with the 95 Theses written by Martin Luther. In his 95 Theses, intended for academic debate, Luther addressed all the issues with the church and served as the first defiant of the absolute power the church held over society. The topic of whether the 95 theses had a positive or negative impact on society should be discussed thoroughly, as it is one of the most antique forms of dissent. On the one hand, many argue that the 95 theses had a positive effect on society by revolutionizing the individual's mindset, while others differ in perspective and overlook the 95 theses as a negative literary piece that sparked multiple conflicts and deaths. …show more content…

In the 16th century, the church had dominant control over society and ruled through the ignorance of the people. Unfortunately, the church abused its power by promoting the sale of indulgences, burning in public those who had different views, and by having an immoral clergy. Even though there was secret dissent at the time towards church policy, many failed to question or even doubt the church publicly because they saw it as the closest thing to God on earth. These unjustified acts made a man by the name of Martin Luther publish the 95 Theses addressing all the issues with the church. Later on, Luther sparked the beginning of a new religion sect named

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