Question

What do To the Christian Nobility, The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, and The Freedom of the Christian indicate about Luther’s developing thought? (select all that apply)

Luther’s writings of 1520 indicate he now knew the answers to most, if not all, the theses he proposed in 1517.
Luther’s writings of 1520 indicate he now realized he erred in calling for a debate about indulgences.
Luther’s writings of 1520 indicate he now rejected the theses he proposed in 1517.
Luther’s writings of 1520 indicate he now accepted the Roman Catholic Church’s practice and doctrine without question.
Luther’s writings of 1520 indicate he now sought a reform of the Roman Catholic Church’s practice and doctrine.

Answer 1

Correct answers:
- Luther’s writings of 1520 indicate he now knew the answers to most, if not all, the theses he proposed in 1517.
- Luther’s writings of 1520 indicate he now sought a reform of the Roman Catholic Church’s practice and doctrine.

Why: by 1520 Luther had moved beyond simply posting disputable theses; his three major pamphlets set out developed answers on authority, the sacraments, justification, and the church’s abuses, and they call for fundamental reform of doctrine and practice. The other choices are incorrect: he did not renounce his earlier positions, he did not conclude his call for debate on indulgences was a mistake, and he certainly did not accept Roman Catholic practice and doctrine without question.