6. the pope cannot forgive any guilt, except by declaring that it has been forgiven by god and by giving in to god's forgiveness. 21. therefore those preachers of indulgences are in error, who say that by the pope's indulgences a man is freed from every penalty, and saved. 43. christians are to be taught that he who gives to the poor or lends to the needy does a better work than buying indulgences. the excerpt above is from martin luther's ninety-five theses. luther posting the ninety-five theses is traditionally considered the beginning of the a. northern renaissance. b. modern german nation. c. age of enlightenment. d. protestant reformation.