Question

1. what were indulgence letters? explain in at least one full sentence. 27. briefly explain what luther is arguing regarding indulgence letters. 28. how did the catholic church respond to luthers claims? explain in at least one full sentence. - martin luther, ninety - five theses, 1517 \6. the pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring and showing that it has been remitted by god; or, to be sure, by remitting guilt in cases reserved to his judgment. if his right to grant remission in these cases were disregarded, the guilt would certainly remain unforgiven. 36. any truly repentant christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without indulgence letters. 37. any true christian, whether living or dead, participates in all the blessings of christ and the church; and this is granted him by god, even without indulgence letters. 41. papal indulgences must be preached with caution, lest people erroneously think that they are preferable to other good works of love.\

Explanation:

1. Indulgence letters were documents from the Catholic Church that promised remission of temporal punishment for sins. Luther criticized their misuse.
2. Luther argued that the selling and over - promotion of indulgence letters were wrong as only God can truly remit guilt, and people should not rely solely on these letters for salvation.
3. The Catholic Church initially tried to suppress Luther's ideas. Later, there were attempts at dialogue and excommunication when Luther refused to recant his claims.

Answer:

1. Indulgence letters were ecclesiastical documents offering sin - punishment remission, misused according to Luther.
2. Luther contended indulgence letters' promotion was wrong since only God can fully remit guilt.
3. The Catholic Church first sought to suppress, then engaged in dialogue and excommunicated Luther for unrecanted claims.