Martin Luther's objections to the Catholic Church were multifaceted and evolved over time, but here are some of the main ones:
* Indulgences: This was the initial spark that ignited the Reformation. Luther was vehemently opposed to the sale of indulgences, which were certificates that purported to reduce or eliminate the punishment for sins, either for the living or the dead in purgatory. He saw this as a corrupt practice that exploited people's fear of divine punishment and undermined genuine repentance. He argued that forgiveness of sins came through faith in Christ alone, not through monetary contributions.
* Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): Luther believed that the Bible was the sole source of religious authority. He rejected the idea that Church tradition, papal decrees, and the pronouncements of Church councils held equal weight with Scripture. He argued that all doctrines and practices should be based solely on the Bible.
* Sola Fide (Faith Alone): Luther emphasized that salvation was achieved through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through good works or the sacraments. He believed that good works were a natural outflow of genuine faith but did not contribute to earning salvation. This challenged the Catholic Church's emphasis on the necessity of both faith and works for salvation.
* Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Luther believed that salvation is an unearned gift from God, given out of his grace. Humans cannot earn salvation through their own efforts or merits.
* Sacraments: Luther challenged the Catholic Church's traditional seven sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony). He argued that only Baptism and the Eucharist (Lord's Supper) were explicitly instituted by Christ in the Bible and therefore were the only true sacraments. He also differed with the Catholic Church regarding the nature of the Eucharist. He did not accept transubstantiation, which holds that the bread and wine are transformed into the actual body and blood of Christ. Instead, he believed in consubstantiation, which holds that the body and blood of Christ are present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine.
* The Authority of the Pope: Luther rejected the Pope's claim to be the supreme head of the Church and the infallible interpreter of Scripture. He argued that all Christians had equal access to God and could interpret the Bible for themselves.
* Clerical Celibacy: Luther opposed the requirement of celibacy for priests and other clergy. He believed that it was not biblically mandated and that it led to various forms of corruption and hypocrisy.
* The Intercession of Saints: Luther questioned the Catholic Church's practice of praying to saints for intercession with God. He believed that Christians should pray directly to God through Jesus Christ, who is the only mediator between God and humanity.
* Mass in Latin: Luther advocated for worship services to be conducted in the vernacular (the common language of the people) rather than Latin, so that everyone could understand and participate.
These objections, articulated in his writings and sermons, particularly the "Ninety-Five Theses," sparked a major theological debate and ultimately led to the Protestant Reformation, dividing Western Christianity.