Group #2: Skit about the Abuse of Indulgences
In my third period class, I have a student named Rachel who is a great actress and leader. She is very outspoken in class and is able to capture the attention of all of the students. When we put on role-plays, she is able to put together an entire skit and perform it without almost any practice or line memorization. She prefers to “wing-it” rather than prepare a written screenplay. Normally I would want the students to write out their lines, but Rachel has taught me that it is not always necessary when performing short skits. Anytime that she puts on a skit, she is able to get the information across in a clever and creative way.
When interviewing Rachel, she confirmed that she prefers doing “hands on” activities, including skits, plays, scavenger hunts, and even fun worksheets. When I questioned her about her interest in acting, Rachel said that performing really allows her to understand what she is learning because she can “get in the other person’s shoes and go through the experience.” She is able to feel as if she herself is living the history that we are learning about. Therefore, when given the opportunity, Rachel will work theatrically to understand the course material. Since I have become familiar with my students’ learning preferences, I had a hunch that Rachel and her group of friends would use acting in their presentation.
When interviewing Rachel, she confirmed that she prefers doing “hands on” activities, including skits, plays, scavenger hunts, and even fun worksheets. When I questioned her about her interest in acting, Rachel said that performing really allows her to understand what she is learning because she can “get in the other person’s shoes and go through the experience.” She is able to feel as if she herself is living the history that we are learning about. Therefore, when given the opportunity, Rachel will work theatrically to understand the course material. Since I have become familiar with my students’ learning preferences, I had a hunch that Rachel and her group of friends would use acting in their presentation.
For this project, Rachel’s group received the following excerpt about the sale of indulgences.
42.Christians should be taught that the pope does not at all intend that the purchase of indulgences should be understood as at all comparable with the works of mercy.
43.Christians should be taught that one who gives to the poor, or lends to the needy, does a better action than if he purchases indulgences.
44.Because, by works of love, love grows and a man becomes a better man; whereas, by indulgences, he does not become a better man, but only escapes certain penalties.
45.Christians should be taught that he who sees a needy person, but passes him by although he gives money for indulgences, gains no benefit from the pope's pardon, but only incurs the wrath of God.
46.Christians should be taught that, unless they have more than they need, they are bound to retain what is only necessary for the upkeep of their home, and should in no way squander it on indulgences.
47.Christians should be taught that they purchase indulgences voluntarily, and are not under obligation to do so.
Rachel and her friends correctly deduced that this excerpt spoke against the church selling indulgences, which were essentially slips of paper that could be bought from the church in order to receive forgiveness for committing sins. Luther argued that people should not believe that they could actually be forgiven simply by giving money to the church. Furthermore, instead of giving their money to the church, people should give money to the poor. Finally, Luther also said that true forgiveness could only come from a change in actions and not by buying indulgences.
42.Christians should be taught that the pope does not at all intend that the purchase of indulgences should be understood as at all comparable with the works of mercy.
43.Christians should be taught that one who gives to the poor, or lends to the needy, does a better action than if he purchases indulgences.
44.Because, by works of love, love grows and a man becomes a better man; whereas, by indulgences, he does not become a better man, but only escapes certain penalties.
45.Christians should be taught that he who sees a needy person, but passes him by although he gives money for indulgences, gains no benefit from the pope's pardon, but only incurs the wrath of God.
46.Christians should be taught that, unless they have more than they need, they are bound to retain what is only necessary for the upkeep of their home, and should in no way squander it on indulgences.
47.Christians should be taught that they purchase indulgences voluntarily, and are not under obligation to do so.
Rachel and her friends correctly deduced that this excerpt spoke against the church selling indulgences, which were essentially slips of paper that could be bought from the church in order to receive forgiveness for committing sins. Luther argued that people should not believe that they could actually be forgiven simply by giving money to the church. Furthermore, instead of giving their money to the church, people should give money to the poor. Finally, Luther also said that true forgiveness could only come from a change in actions and not by buying indulgences.