CROWTHER JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

The ethical motifs entrenched in the 95 theses of Martin Luther has left some lasting implications on modern Christianity; the historic rot in the 16th century Catholic Church which undermined the very heart of Christianity and the core Christian values, paved way for immorality Simony and abuse of office threw the Church into centuries of bleakness and prolonged darkness. Godliness became a means of financial gain as Tetzels sold indulgence in the name of salvation. Today prosperity messengers, miracle-seed merchants and money doublers brazenly display their skills on “sacred” altars. Witchdoctors now disguise as ‘prophets’ and ‘powerful men of God misleading many into heresy and apostasy. Syncretism and obscurantism are common while ritualism have taken public space in media hyping. More than ever before, Christianity is mingled with paganism, superstitious beliefs; compromise, apostasy, pride, arrogance, worldliness and impurity have replaced the humility and simplicity of Christ and his followers. This paper adopts the multidimensional approach, drawing insights from the historical and theological methods. Findings show that the same case scenario which Luther’s 95 theses addressed is prevalent in the Church today. The paper therefore, recommends a reformation that would rid the church of these worrisome vices that have bedeviled Christianity.

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