Martin Luther memorial statue in Dresden, Germany

The Ninety-five Theses (or Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences) was posted to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on this day in 1517 by a priest and professor of theology named Martin Luther.

In his contention, Luther condemned the excesses and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, especially the papal practice of seeking payment (“indulgences”) in exchange for the forgiveness of sins. Luther said faith in Christ alone was the only way to forgiveness. And thus began the Protestant Reformation.