Question
[32] All those who believe themselves certain of their own salvation by means of letters of indulgence, will be eternally damned, together with their teachers. [33] We should be most carefully on our guard against those who say that the papal indulgences are an inestimable divine gift, and that a man is reconciled to God by them. 2. Use the context clues in numbers 32 and 33 to determine what a "letter of indulgence" might be Does Martin Luther seem to have a negative or positive view of these letters of indulgence? Why do you think this is the case?
Answer
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Albert
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
Based on the context clues in numbers 32 and 33, a "letter of indulgence" appears to be a document or certification that grants individuals the belief that they are certain of their own salvation. Martin Luther expresses a negative view of these letters of indulgence, as he states that those who believe in their own salvation through these letters will be eternally damned, along with their teachers. Luther is critical of the idea that papal indulgences are considered an inestimable divine gift and that reconciliation to God can be achieved through them. His negative view likely stems from his opposition to the sale and misuse of indulgences by the Catholic Church during his time, as he saw it as a corruption of the true Christian faith.