Johann Tetzel
Johann Tetzel (1465-1519) was a Dominican priest who is perhaps best known for selling indulgences during the 16th century. In 1517, Tetzel was trying to raise money for the ongoing construction of St. Peter's Basilica and it is believed that Martin Luther was inspired to write his 95 Theses, in part, due to Tetzel's actions during this period.
Born 1465, died 1519.
Old text from Schaff-Herzog Encyc of Religion, 1911:
TETZEL, JOHANN: born at Leipzig between 1450
and 1460; died there in July, 1519.
He studied
theology and philosophy at the university of his native
city, entered the Dominican order in 1489, achieved
some success as a preacher, and was in 1502
commissioned by the pope to preach the jubilee
indulgence, which he did throughout his life. In 1509
he was made inquisitor, and in 1517 Pope Leo X made
him commissioner of indulgences for all Germany.
He acquired the degree of licentiate of theology in
the University of Frankfurt an der Oder, 1517, and
that of doctor of theology, 1518, by defending, in
two disputations, the doctrine of indulgences against
Luther. The impudence with which he sold full
forgiveness for sins not yet committed, caused great
scandal; and when Luther in the confessional
became aware of the evil effect of his doings, he began
to preach openly against him.
He was also
condemned (though later pardoned) for immorality.
It became necessary to disavow Tetzel; and, when
he discovered that Miltitz was aware of all his frauds
and embezzlements, he withdrew, frightened, into
the Dominican monastery in Leipzig. He died at
the time of the Leipzig disputation in 1519. At the time of his death, Tetzel had fallen into disrepute and was shunned by others in the monastery. Yet, on his deathbed, Tetzel received a kind correspondence from Martin Luther reminding him of his full forgiveness and salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Although Luther and Tetzel disagreed vehemently about indulgences, Luther offered this kindness.
In C. H. H. Wright and Charles Neil's Protestant
Dictionary (London, 1904), pp. 294 sqq., is a facsimile
of a Tetzel indulgence.
Referenced By
1465 | 1519 | 95 Theses | Famous German people | Famous Germans | Famous Germany people | Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici | Grace | Indulgence | Indulgences | Leo X | List of Christians | List of Germans | List of famous Christians | List of famous German people | List of famous Germans | List of famous Germany people | List of people by name: Te | Listing of noted Christians | Luther | Martin Luther | Martin Luther/95 Theses | Pope Leo X | Protestant Reformation | Reformation | Saint Peter's Basilica | St. Peter's Basilica | St. Peters | St Peter's Basilica
|
