To combat abuses in the church of his day, Martin Luther drafted nearly a hundred propositions for public debate. The young German monk posted these “theses” on the church door in Wittenberg, an action that helped to give birth to the Reformation.
Nearly everyone has heard of the Ninety-Five Theses, but few have read it. “This is such a crucial text,” writes editor Stephen J. Nichols, “that it deserves to be read widely.” He has written an illuminating introduction and many explanatory notes (conveniently located on facing pages), putting Luther’s classic statement in everyone’s reach.
