Johann Tetzel

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John or Johann Tetzel (1465 – 11 August 1519) was a German Dominican Preacher remembered for selling indulgences and for speaking the couplet "As soon as a coin in the coffer rings / the soul from purgatory springs."^[1] Tetzel even went as far as creating a chart that listed a price for each type of sin and claiming that the indulgences he sold could save a soul who violated the Virgin Mary. 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 Ninety-Five Theses, in part, due to Tetzel's actions during this period of time.^[2]

Tetzel was born in Pirna, Saxony, and studied theology and philosophy at the university of his native city. He 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 an inquisitor, and in 1517 Pope Leo X made him commissioner of indulgences for all Germany.

He acquired the degree of Licentiate of Sacred Theology in the University of Frankfurt an der Oder, 1517, and that of Doctor of Sacred Theology, 1518, by defending, in two disputations, the doctrine of indulgences against Luther. The accusation that he sold full forgiveness for sins not yet committed, caused great scandal; Martin Luther considered his actions evil, and began to preach openly against him.

At first, like most high clergymen, he thought Luther would soon regret his words. He is believed to have said once he read the Luther's Theses, "Within three weeks I will have thrown that heretic into the fire." He was soon proved wrong.

He was also condemned (though later pardoned) for immorality. It became necessary to disavow Tetzel and, when he discovered that Karl von Miltitz had accused him of perpetrating numerous frauds and embezzlements, he withdrew, frightened, into the Dominican monastery in Leipzig. He died in Leipzig in 1519. At the time of his death, Tetzel had fallen into disrepute and was shunned by the public. Yet, on his deathbed, Tetzel received a kind correspondence from Martin Luther, stating that he was not to blame for the whole ordeal, and offering his consolations.^[3]

Ironically considering Luther's kindness toward him, earlier he remarked upon reading the 95 Theses, "Within three weeks I shall have that heretic thrown into the fire."

[edit] Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia biography