Final answer:
Martin Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation by advocating for justification by faith alone, opposing the sale of indulgences, and challenging the Catholic Church's mix of faith and good works for salvation. His Ninety-five Theses sparked major religious changes and empowered individuals to seek personal faith and scriptural understanding, resulting in a fundamental shift in Christian practices and beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Martin Luther was a central figure in the Protestant Reformation, challenging the Roman Catholic Church's practices and doctrines.
He ardently believed that salvation was achieved through faith alone, a doctrine known as justification by faith. This was in stark contrast to the Catholic Church's teaching that salvation was a combination of faith and good works, such as buying indulgences.
Luther's stance on faith and works was based on his interpretation of Scripture, particularly the writings of St. Paul, and led to significant theological and ecclesiastical reforms.
Luther opposed indulgences - payments made to the Church that supposedly reduced punishment for sins - because he believed that forgiveness could only be granted by God, not monetized by the Church.
His advocacy for reform was crystallized in his Ninety-five Theses, which criticized the Church's practices and questioned the pope's authority in forgiving sins.
Despite his initial intent to reform the Church, his actions contributed to the birth of Protestantism, where scriptures and individual faith became the cornerstones of the religion.
Furthermore, Luther's translations of the Bible and other religious texts into German made them accessible to a wider audience, enhancing his impact.
The use of the printing press played a crucial role in disseminating his ideas across Europe, leading to a widespread religious reformation and the formation of various Protestant sects.