What document did Martin Luther author that criticized the practices of the Catholic Church?

Study for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam (APUSH) – Period 1. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The 95 Theses, authored by Martin Luther in 1517, were a pivotal document in the Protestant Reformation, addressing the sale of indulgences and critiquing various practices of the Catholic Church. In this document, Luther argued against the Church's practice of selling indulgences as a means for the faithful to buy their way to salvation, positing that faith alone, rather than good works or financial contributions, was necessary for salvation. The widespread distribution of the 95 Theses, thanks in part to the recently invented printing press, sparked significant religious debate and ultimately led to the fragmentation of Christianity in Western Europe.

The other documents listed do not pertain to the criticism of the Catholic Church in the same context. The Edict of Nantes was issued in 1598, granting religious freedom to Huguenots in France. Summa Theologica, written by Thomas Aquinas, is a comprehensive theological work that does not focus on criticisms of the Church's practices but rather presents a synthesis of medieval Catholic theology. On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres is authored by Nicolaus Copernicus and deals with heliocentrism, having no direct relation to the issues raised by Luther against the Catholic Church.

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