Who initiated the Renaissance by writing his 95 theses?

The choice of Martin Luther as the initiator of the Renaissance through his writing of the 95 Theses is notably significant because his actions sparked the Reformation, a movement closely associated with the Renaissance period's ideals of questioning authority and exploring new ways of thinking. Luther's 95 Theses, penned in 1517, challenged the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. This act of defiance not only sought to bring about religious reform but also encouraged individual interpretation of the scriptures, a core value that embodied the Renaissance spirit.

Luther's emphasis on personal faith and morality resonated with the humanist principles of the Renaissance, which stressed the importance of the individual and critical thinking. His writings circulated widely thanks to the printing press, which played a critical role in spreading Renaissance ideas and igniting further discussions about religion, governance, and society. Therefore, although Luther’s work is specifically linked to the Reformation, it undeniably coincided with and propelled the Renaissance movement’s core themes forward.