Introduction
Martin Luther the "pugnacious theology professor"
The 95 theses are today visible to everyone on the door of the Castle Church in Lutherstadt Wittenberg. It has been taught in schools for centuries that the written theses were nailed to the doors of the church, and since a discovery of a note in 2006 it would seem that this legend is considered very likely.
Although Luther did not object to indulgences as an instrument of forgiveness from punishment for the sin in question, he vigorously rejected the trade in indulgences. He felt that it was not with money that this could be obtain, instead only with good deeds, prayer and pilgrimages.
Many people want to travel to Germany today for personal worship and to see for themselves the places that shaped the life of the reformer Martin Luther. The Luther travel guide (Schmidt-Buch-Verlag, ISBN 978-3-936185-71-3: 6.00 euro) is an excellent publication that gives a comprehensive guide to the most significant sites of the Reformation. Discover Lutherstadt Eisleben, Torgau, Eisenach (Wartburg), Erfurt, Mansfeld Lutherstadt, Worms, Augsburg and of course Lutherstadt Wittenberg. A detailed biography introduces Martin Luther as well as looking at the most important companions and adversaries of the reformer.
In 2017 Martin Luther's theses against the sale of indulgences will celebrate its 500th anniversary. In order to prepare and commemorated this landmark event both the state and church declared the celebration of the Luther Decade, leading up to "Luther2017." Under this organizational umbrella since 31 October 2008, countless people have been engaged in many exciting projects with yearly themes. In 2015 the theme is "Reformation - Art and the Bible." Also celebrated is the 500th anniversary of the birth of Lucas Cranach the Younger with a major national exhibition in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Wörlitz and Dessau.