The Protestant Reformation

Movement for reform

of Christianity in Europe during the 1500s

Stark criticism of the Roman Catholic Church

Led by ‘protestors’ such as John Calvin and Martin Luther

What is the Protestant

Reformation?

Long-Term

Roman Catholic Church became more worldly Humanists urged return to simple religion Strong kings emerged and resented power of

Church Bubonic Plague… Church leaders acting like Kings

Pope Leo X – “God has given us the papacy – let us enjoy it!”

Causes of the Reformation

Short-Term

Indulgences Martin Luther’s 95 Theses Luther translated the Bible into German Gutenberg’s printing press helped spread ideas Reformers pressed for change Increased fees for marriages, baptisms, and

other public rites and rituals

Causes of the Reformation

John Calvin

Believed Christians only through faith in God

Believed people are born sinners

Preached predestination Had ideas that spread to

Germany, France, Holland, England, Scotland

Led a community in Switzerland

Martin Luther

Did not believe in the sale of indulgences

Believed Christians reached heaven only through faith in God

Did not believe priests had special powers

Bible was the only source of religious truth

Had ideas that spread to northern Germany and Scandinavia

Had followers that later called themselves Protestants

Henry VIII

Ruled England from 1509-1547

“Defender of the Faith” Marital Issues

Wanted a son Church law does not permit

divorce or annulment Gained the favor of the

public and passed the Act of Supremacy in 1534

Long-Term

Loss of religious unity in Western Europe Religious civil wars broke out in Europe for more

than 100 years Catholic Reformation

Response to criticisms of Reformation ‘protestors’ Inquisition became stronger

Goal: to root out heresy by force Heresy – people having beliefs that differed from

official Church teachings Many Jews forced into Eastern Europe

Effects of the Reformation

Short-Term

Peasants revolted Lutheran, Calvinist, Anglican, and other

Protestant churches founded Holy Roman emperor weakened Anti-semitism Religious witch hunts

Effects of the Reformation

Protestantism

Religious Idea Roman Catholic Church

Only through true repentance and

penancePardon for Sins Confession and

indulgences

The Bible, only THE Source for religious truth

The Bible, the Pope, Church councils

Faith alone Salvation Faith AND good deeds

People should read the Bible and interpret it

themselves

Who should read the Bible?

Only the clergy can communicate with God, so they should explain

the Bible to people

Two Holy Sacraments

Seven

No Pilgrimages and prayers to Saints

Yes

Yes Can Clergy Marry?

No