The Ninety-five Theses are a list of propositions written by Martin Luther in 1517, comprising 95 statements for debate concerning indulgences. Tradition says that Luther posted them on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on October 31. The anniversary of the posting of the Ninety-five Theses is commemorated by many Protestants as the beginning of the Reformation.
Luther’s theses served as a catalyst, transforming a dispute over indulgences into a significant crisis in Western Christianity that ultimately contributed to broader challenges to Catholic doctrine and practice. While not denying papal authority, the theses questioned papal policy and criticized the collection of money from poor Germans to support the papacy in Rome.