Voting Station

Johann Tetzel

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Religious Figure

The Resume

    (circa 1465-August 11, 1519)
    Born in Pirna, Saxony, Germany
    Dominican preacher
    Commissioned to sell indulgences (1502)
    Placed in charge of indulgences for all of Germany by Pope Leo X (1517)
    Inspired Martin Luther to write his '95 Theses' (1517)

Why he might be annoying:

    He was accused of selling forgiveness for sins not yet committed.
    He reportedly created a chart showing the price for each type of sin.
    After reading the '95 Theses,' he boasted, 'Within three weeks, I will have thrown that heretic into the fire.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    He received a doctorate in theology for his defense of indulgences.
    He demonstrated the importance of a catchy jingle with his successful couplet, 'As soon as a coin in the coffer rings/A soul from Purgatory springs.'
    On his deathbed, he received a conciliatory letter from Luther declaring that 'the agitation was not that of his [Tetzel's] creation.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 14 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 7 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 19 Votes: 52.63% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 16 Votes: 56.25% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 9 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 9 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 55 Votes: 65.45% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 25 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 35 Votes: 77.14% Annoying