Why did Martin Luther post his 95 theses on the Wittenberg chapel door?
• Just as new money wealth was permitting kings and princes to build up their power in weapons, ships, paid professional soldiers (mercenary troops) and of course new forts and palaces, so also new money wealth was permitting bishops and other church officials to build up not only towering churches but also regal palaces for themselves. • In Rome, the Pope was building a new and very expensive church (Saint Peter’s Basilica) and office complex for himself (called the Vatican)–with the idea of making this a symbol of the power and wealth of the pope and his staff. Even the very famous artist Michelangelo had been commissioned to paint the ceiling and walls of the Sistine Chapel within this Vatican complex. • To finance this very expensive project the Pope asked for financial support from all Christians. To raise additional money for this project, he also offered “indulgences” to Christians–for a price. Indulgences were heavenly rewards that could be purchased by money from the extra c
