Part IIOctober 6, 2009

In the 1520’s, a powerful religious movement began in Saxony in Germany.

It spread rapidly throughout northern Europe

It affected society, politics and the spiritual lives of men and women

It was a broad revolt against the superstitions on the medieval church.

The Protestant Reformation took place at a time of sharp conflict with the newly emerging nation-states.

These nation-states were looking for conformity and centralization.

Many of the towns were concerned about the loss of local authority and looked to the reformation as an ally against the loss of their power

The reformation broke out first in the imperial free cities of Germany and Switzerland.

The protestant movement attracted followers from different areas: Economically prosperous members of local

guilds Those with a history of opposition to the

encroaching government authority of nation-states

People who felt bullied or pushed around by government

The Reformation was helped greatly by the emperor’s war with France and the ottoman Turks.

He sought friendly relations with German Princes

He allowed the German Princes to enforce the Edict of Worms against Luther

This basically gave each ruler territorial sovereignty in religious matters.

The Reformation passed from the hands of theologians into the hands of rulers

They began to change reform from merely slogans to laws which must be obeyed.

This began the politicization of religious reform.

The German Peasantry looked to Luther as a natural ally.

Peasants opposed the encroaching power of their overlords in trampling their ancient rights and installing new territorial laws and taxes

They wanted a freedom from serfdom

Luther initially sympathized with the peasants.

But he drew the line at supporting a time where his religious movement became intertwined with a political movement

When the peasants revolted in 1524, they were shocked when Luther urged the princes to crush the revolt mercilessly.

Between 70,000 and 100,000 peasants were killed or executed. (Picture page 362)

Zwingli and the Swiss Reformation Discussion….page 366! Discussion of differences in the Eucharist Luther vs. Zwingli

Anabaptists and Radical Protestants Anabaptists believed that only a thoughtful

consenting adult could enter the covenant of faith

John Calvin and the Genevan Reformation