Beginnings of the Beginnings of the ReformationReformation

Reformation basicsReformation basics

Major reform of Western ChristianityMajor reform of Western Christianity Limit wealth and power of clergy and bishopsLimit wealth and power of clergy and bishops Educate clergy and laypeopleEducate clergy and laypeople Break down division between clergy and laypeopleBreak down division between clergy and laypeople

Questioned basic doctrinesQuestioned basic doctrines Authority of churchAuthority of church How salvation is mediated: through church and sacraments?How salvation is mediated: through church and sacraments? Relationship of church and stateRelationship of church and state Importance of individual conscienceImportance of individual conscience

Inspired Catholic (“counter”) Reformation, JesuitsInspired Catholic (“counter”) Reformation, Jesuits Established new churchesEstablished new churches

Protected by state; contributed to rising nationalismProtected by state; contributed to rising nationalism Beginnings of modern critique of religionBeginnings of modern critique of religion

Questioned religious authority; promoted individual conscienceQuestioned religious authority; promoted individual conscience

Basics, cont.Basics, cont.

When?When? Beginning 1517 (Luther’s 95 Theses)Beginning 1517 (Luther’s 95 Theses)

Where?Where? Esp. in Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, EnglandEsp. in Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, England

Why did it catch on?Why did it catch on? Aided by political protectors like Prince FrederickAided by political protectors like Prince Frederick Aided by printing press (1450), caught public’s attentionAided by printing press (1450), caught public’s attention

TypesTypes Magisterial: protected by magistrates/state officials; Magisterial: protected by magistrates/state officials;

Lutheran and ReformedLutheran and Reformed Radical: broader critique and not protected by state; Radical: broader critique and not protected by state;

AnabaptistsAnabaptists Catholic: reformed practices and clarified doctrine; Council Catholic: reformed practices and clarified doctrine; Council

of Trentof Trent

What needed reform?What needed reform?

Ground levelGround level Elaborate sacramental system mediated, obscured contact with GodElaborate sacramental system mediated, obscured contact with God

Eucharist: seen, usually not received (bells at Mass, “hocus pocus”)Eucharist: seen, usually not received (bells at Mass, “hocus pocus”) Indulgences, relicsIndulgences, relics Christ feared as Judge, Mary seen as mercifulChrist feared as Judge, Mary seen as merciful

Clergy and religious had much greater spiritual status than laityClergy and religious had much greater spiritual status than laity ClergyClergy

Not necessarily educated or studied in scripturesNot necessarily educated or studied in scriptures BishopsBishops

Positions connected with land and wealthPositions connected with land and wealth Did not always live in diocese; not connected with peopleDid not always live in diocese; not connected with people

PapacyPapacy 2, then 3 popes (1378-1415): really infallible?2, then 3 popes (1378-1415): really infallible? Conciliarism never took hold in 1400sConciliarism never took hold in 1400s Fighting with political rulers over ultimate powerFighting with political rulers over ultimate power Very decadent Renaissance popes: opulent wealth, kids, mistressesVery decadent Renaissance popes: opulent wealth, kids, mistresses

Martin Luther (1483-1546)Martin Luther (1483-1546) Monk, Bible professorMonk, Bible professor Key years: 1517-1521 Key years: 1517-1521

(excommunication)(excommunication) Personal breakthrough: cannot Personal breakthrough: cannot

earn salvationearn salvation Theology of the time: “Do what is Theology of the time: “Do what is

in you”in you” Luther: what is in you is never Luther: what is in you is never

good enough for a perfect Godgood enough for a perfect God Therefore, salvation is pure gift Therefore, salvation is pure gift

from Godfrom God Scripture, grace, faith are Scripture, grace, faith are

centralcentral Critiques church authority and Critiques church authority and

mediationmediation

For next timeFor next time

Letter to the German Nobility (1520)Letter to the German Nobility (1520) Know the “three walls”Know the “three walls” How does Luther distinguish political How does Luther distinguish political

and spiritual authority?and spiritual authority?