The display of the highly praised reliquaries

With the theses Luther actually only wanted to invite to a “disputation”, a dispute among scholars. The portal of the Schlosskirche in Wittenberg was the “bulletin board” of the university. On the other hand: Luther's theses are posted on the day before All Saints' Day, the feast at which the Elector presents his large collection of relics to pilgrims who can buy indulgences there. It is therefore more than an invitation to discussion – it is a public protest.