The Roots of the The Roots of the Protestant Protestant

ReformationReformationTowns, Capitalism, and Towns, Capitalism, and

DemocracyDemocracy

THE ROOTS OF THE PROTESTANT REFORMATIONTHE ROOTS OF THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION

RISE OF TOWNSMiddle Class

REPLACEMENT OF LAND BASED ECONOMY Money economy

RISE OF KINGSKings clashed with Popes over control of Church taxes: Pope

Boniface VIII & Philip IV of France

PLENTIFULSUPPLY OF MONEYFor those involved in trade

BABYLONIAN CAPTITIVY & THE

GREAT SCHISM

ABUSES BY THE CHURCH

Example: simony (buying & selling of Church offices.Church desperate for cash.

DAMAGE TO CHURCH’S REPUTATION

HUMANISTS PATRONIZED

RENAISSANCE CULTURE

NORTHERN HUMANISTS FOCUSED ON RELIGION

IDEAS& TECHNOLOGY

SPREAD

INVENTION OF THE PRINTING PRESS

CHEAPER BOOKS Ideas spread farther & more rapidly

DISSATISFACTION WITH CORRUPTION & SCANDAL John Wycliffe & the Lollards

John Hus & the Hussites

INTEREST IN BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP

Challenge to Church authority

GERMANY FRAGMENTED & DECENTRALIZEDNo central power to stop Church

abuse or the spread of new ideas.

LUTHER’S REFORMS Justification by faith

Bible basis for religious authorityPriesthood of all believers

Calling: secular life is respectable

LUTHER’S STRICT RELIGIOUS UPBRINGING

Scrupulous conscience. Sense of guilt & sinfulness.Self-destructive practices.

GROWTH OF CAPITALISM Money, Banking, Increased trade

BIRTH OF DEMOCRACYCharters, Town councils

The Starting PointThe Starting Point

The roots of the Reformation lie far The roots of the Reformation lie far back in the High Middle Ages with:back in the High Middle Ages with: The Rise of TownsThe Rise of Towns

(and the Middle Class)(and the Middle Class) The Growth of CapitalismThe Growth of Capitalism

(money, banking, trade)(money, banking, trade) The Birth of Democracy (charters, town The Birth of Democracy (charters, town

councils)councils) This led to four lines of development This led to four lines of development

that all converged in the Reformation.  that all converged in the Reformation. 

First, a money economy led to the Rise of Kings First, a money economy led to the Rise of Kings who clashed with the popes over control of who clashed with the popes over control of Church taxes.  Church taxes.  One of these clashes between Pope Boniface VIII and One of these clashes between Pope Boniface VIII and

Philip IV of France, triggered:Philip IV of France, triggered: The Babylonian CaptivityThe Babylonian Captivity The Great Schism.  The Great Schism. 

Second, the replacement of a land based Second, the replacement of a land based economy with a money economy led to growing economy with a money economy led to growing numbers of abuses by the Church in its numbers of abuses by the Church in its desperation for cash.  desperation for cash. 

Both of these factors seriously damaged theBoth of these factors seriously damaged the Church’s reputation and led to criticisms by: Church’s reputation and led to criticisms by: John Wycliffe and the LollardsJohn Wycliffe and the Lollards John Hus and the HussitesJohn Hus and the Hussites

These movements These movements influenced Luther’s influenced Luther’s reforms.reforms.

Before we go further, let’s take a closer Before we go further, let’s take a closer look at:look at: The Babylonian Captivity (1305-1375)The Babylonian Captivity (1305-1375) The Great Schism (1378-1415)The Great Schism (1378-1415) John Wycliffe (1303-1384)John Wycliffe (1303-1384) and the Lollardsand the Lollards John Hus (1369-1413) and the HussitesJohn Hus (1369-1413) and the Hussites

The Babylonian Captivity (1305-1375)The Babylonian Captivity (1305-1375) King Phillip IV of France tried to tax Church offices (and land) in King Phillip IV of France tried to tax Church offices (and land) in

France. The Church owned 30% of the land and the peasants on France. The Church owned 30% of the land and the peasants on Church land did not pay taxes to secular leaders. Church land did not pay taxes to secular leaders.

In a dispute over the issue, Pope Boniface VIII said In a dispute over the issue, Pope Boniface VIII said “We declaim, “We declaim, state, and define that subjection to the Roman Pontiff is state, and define that subjection to the Roman Pontiff is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature.”absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature.”

In September 1303, Phillip sent soldiers to hold the pope In September 1303, Phillip sent soldiers to hold the pope prisoner. (Boniface died in October 1303 in Avignon, France.) prisoner. (Boniface died in October 1303 in Avignon, France.)

In 1305, Phillip persuaded the College of Cardinals to select a In 1305, Phillip persuaded the College of Cardinals to select a French archbishop as the new pope and Clement moved the French archbishop as the new pope and Clement moved the papacy from Rome to Avignon to escape the Black Death. papacy from Rome to Avignon to escape the Black Death.

For seventy years the popes did not reside in Rome, but in For seventy years the popes did not reside in Rome, but in Avignon, France.Avignon, France. During this time all seven popes and most cardinals were French. During this time all seven popes and most cardinals were French. The movement of Church money to France encouraged banking there. The movement of Church money to France encouraged banking there. The Church in Avignon raised money through financial dealings and the The Church in Avignon raised money through financial dealings and the

sale of indulgences. sale of indulgences.

The Great Schism (1378-1415)The Great Schism (1378-1415) In 1378, Pope Gregory XI died while visiting Rome. The In 1378, Pope Gregory XI died while visiting Rome. The

College of Cardinals met in Rome and selected an Italian College of Cardinals met in Rome and selected an Italian pope. A few months later, the French cardinals elected their pope. A few months later, the French cardinals elected their own pope. So there were two different men, in two different own pope. So there were two different men, in two different cities, claiming to be the pope.cities, claiming to be the pope.

For over thirty years, Christendom was divided over which For over thirty years, Christendom was divided over which pope to support as the spiritual leader of the Church.pope to support as the spiritual leader of the Church.

In 1409, the cardinals met again and selected a third pope to In 1409, the cardinals met again and selected a third pope to unite the two sides. However, the other popes were unwilling unite the two sides. However, the other popes were unwilling to give up their power. So now there were three popes vying to give up their power. So now there were three popes vying for authority. for authority.

The existence of multiple popes:The existence of multiple popes: Lessened the reputation and prestige of the ChurchLessened the reputation and prestige of the Church Diminished the pope's authority. (Christians were bewildered & Diminished the pope's authority. (Christians were bewildered &

disgusted.) disgusted.) Made secular rulers think they could dictate Church policies.Made secular rulers think they could dictate Church policies.

Finally between 1414 and 1418, the Council of Constance Finally between 1414 and 1418, the Council of Constance healed the Schism. The cardinals deposed the Avignon pope, healed the Schism. The cardinals deposed the Avignon pope, induced the Roman pope to resign, and elected Pope Martin induced the Roman pope to resign, and elected Pope Martin V (1417-1431).V (1417-1431).

John Wycliffe (1303-1384) and the John Wycliffe (1303-1384) and the LollardsLollards

John Wycliffe, an English priest & Oxford professor, John Wycliffe, an English priest & Oxford professor, developed a number of doctrines that were condemned developed a number of doctrines that were condemned as heretical:as heretical: That the Bible is the supreme authorityThat the Bible is the supreme authority That the clergy should hold no propertyThat the clergy should hold no property That there is no basis for the doctrine of transubstantiationThat there is no basis for the doctrine of transubstantiation

Among his greatest contributions was his translation of Among his greatest contributions was his translation of the Bible into Middle English. the Bible into Middle English.

The Lollards were followers of Wycliffe, at first his The Lollards were followers of Wycliffe, at first his supporters at Oxford and the royal court. However, the supporters at Oxford and the royal court. However, the movement soon spread and became a strong popular movement soon spread and became a strong popular force. force. It was blamed for the anticlerical aspects of the Peasant's Revolt It was blamed for the anticlerical aspects of the Peasant's Revolt

in 1381. in 1381. But Lollard beliefs remained popular with some members of the But Lollard beliefs remained popular with some members of the

court – including a group of Chaucer's friends. court – including a group of Chaucer's friends. Although Wycliffe’s doctrines were condemned, he Although Wycliffe’s doctrines were condemned, he

escaped prosecution during his lifetime because of his escaped prosecution during his lifetime because of his support at court. However, he was finally condemned 41 support at court. However, he was finally condemned 41 years after his death: his books were burned and his years after his death: his books were burned and his body was exhumed and burned, and the ashes scattered. body was exhumed and burned, and the ashes scattered.

John Hus (1369-1413) and the HussitesJohn Hus (1369-1413) and the Hussites John Hus, a Bohemian priest and follower of John Wycliffe, John Hus, a Bohemian priest and follower of John Wycliffe,

gave sermons arguing that the Church should not own land gave sermons arguing that the Church should not own land or control secular power. He stressed that the Bible was or control secular power. He stressed that the Bible was the supreme religious authority, allowed the people to drink the supreme religious authority, allowed the people to drink wine during the Communion service, and denounced the wine during the Communion service, and denounced the immoral and extravagant lifestyles of the clergy (including immoral and extravagant lifestyles of the clergy (including the pope). the pope).

In 1415 he was summoned to the Council of Constance to In 1415 he was summoned to the Council of Constance to defend his teachings. He was promised safe conduct by defend his teachings. He was promised safe conduct by Emperor Sigismund and given the papal assurance: Emperor Sigismund and given the papal assurance: "Even if "Even if he had killed my own brother . . . he must be safe while he he had killed my own brother . . . he must be safe while he is at Constance."is at Constance." Yet Huss was arrested soon after he Yet Huss was arrested soon after he arrived, condemned as a heretic by the Church, and burned arrived, condemned as a heretic by the Church, and burned at the stake by the secular authorities. at the stake by the secular authorities.

Huss had been popular with laypeople and his heroic death Huss had been popular with laypeople and his heroic death only increased his prestige. His execution led his only increased his prestige. His execution led his supporters in Bohemia and Moravia to launch bloody wars supporters in Bohemia and Moravia to launch bloody wars in support of his principles. Despite repeated efforts of in support of his principles. Despite repeated efforts of popes and rulers to stamp out the movement of the popes and rulers to stamp out the movement of the Hussites, it survived as an independent church, known as Hussites, it survived as an independent church, known as the the Unitas FratrumUnitas Fratrum or the Unity of the Brethren. or the Unity of the Brethren.

Third, another effect of the Rise of Towns and Third, another effect of the Rise of Towns and the Growth of Capitalism (in addition to (1) the the Growth of Capitalism (in addition to (1) the Rise of Kings and (2) the replacement of a land Rise of Kings and (2) the replacement of a land based economy with a money economy) was a based economy with a money economy) was a more plentiful supply of money with which more plentiful supply of money with which humanists could patronize Renaissance humanists could patronize Renaissance culture.  culture. 

When the Renaissance reachedWhen the Renaissance reachedNorthern Europe, the idea of Northern Europe, the idea of studying the Bible in the original Greek and studying the Bible in the original Greek and Hebrew fused with the North’s greater Hebrew fused with the North’s greater emphasis on religion, thus paving the way for a emphasis on religion, thus paving the way for a Biblical scholar such as Martin Luther to Biblical scholar such as Martin Luther to challenge the Church.challenge the Church.

Now, back to the roots of the Reformation:Now, back to the roots of the Reformation:

  Fourth, towns and trade spread new Fourth, towns and trade spread new ideas and technology.  ideas and technology.  Several of these bits of technology, Several of these bits of technology,

some from as far away as China, some from as far away as China, helped lead to the invention of thehelped lead to the invention of theprinting press which helped the printing press which helped the Reformation in two ways.  Reformation in two ways. 

First, it made books cheaper, which allowed First, it made books cheaper, which allowed Luther to have his own copy of the Bible and the Luther to have his own copy of the Bible and the chance to find, what he considered, flaws in the chance to find, what he considered, flaws in the Church’s thinking.  Church’s thinking. 

Second, the printing press would spread Second, the printing press would spread Luther’s ideas much more quickly and farther a Luther’s ideas much more quickly and farther a field than the Lollards and Hussites ever could field than the Lollards and Hussites ever could have done without the press.have done without the press.

These three factors combined to These three factors combined to create an interest in Biblical create an interest in Biblical scholarship:scholarship: Growing dissatisfaction with corruptionGrowing dissatisfaction with corruption

and scandal in the Churchand scandal in the Church The religious emphasis of theThe religious emphasis of the

Northern RenaissanceNorthern Renaissance The printing press.The printing press.

Nowhere was this interest more Nowhere was this interest more volatile or dangerous to the Church volatile or dangerous to the Church than in Germany. than in Germany. 

Germany was fragmented into over 300 Germany was fragmented into over 300 states. This helped the Reformation in two states. This helped the Reformation in two ways:ways: First, there was no one power to stop the large First, there was no one power to stop the large

number of Church abuses afflicting Germany, number of Church abuses afflicting Germany, thus breeding a great deal of anger in Germany thus breeding a great deal of anger in Germany against the Church.  against the Church. 

Second, the lack of central control also made it Second, the lack of central control also made it very difficult to stop the spread of any new very difficult to stop the spread of any new ideas.  ideas.  Germany had over 30 printing presses and few, if Germany had over 30 printing presses and few, if

any, were under tight centralized control. any, were under tight centralized control. Each was capable of quickly churning out literally Each was capable of quickly churning out literally

thousands of copies of Protestant books and thousands of copies of Protestant books and pamphlets.  pamphlets. 

EUROPEIN 1519

Boundary of the Holy Roman Empire House of Hapsburg Brandenburg Church lands Bourbon lands

Luther, like all great men who shape Luther, like all great men who shape history, was also a product of his own age.  history, was also a product of his own age. 

He had a strict religious upbringing,He had a strict religious upbringing, especially from his father who especially from his father who frequently beat his son for thefrequently beat his son for the slightest mistakes.  slightest mistakes. 

School was little better.  School was little better.  Young Martin was supposedly Young Martin was supposedly beaten fifteen times in one day beaten fifteen times in one day for improperly declining a noun.for improperly declining a noun.

All this created a tremendous sense of guilt All this created a tremendous sense of guilt and sinfulness in him and influenced his and sinfulness in him and influenced his view of God as a harsh and terrifying view of God as a harsh and terrifying being.  being. 

Motivated by fear, Luther made the Motivated by fear, Luther made the difficult decision to join a monastic order.difficult decision to join a monastic order.

As a monk, Luther carried his As a monk, Luther carried his religious sense of guilt to self-religious sense of guilt to self-destructive extremes, describing destructive extremes, describing how he almost tortured himself to how he almost tortured himself to death through praying, reading, death through praying, reading, and vigils.  and vigils. 

Indeed, one morning, his fellow Indeed, one morning, his fellow monks came into his cell to find monks came into his cell to find him lying senseless on the him lying senseless on the ground.  Given this situation, ground.  Given this situation, something had to give:  either something had to give:  either Luther’s body or his concept of Luther’s body or his concept of Christianity.  His body survived.Christianity.  His body survived.

Out of concern for Martin, his fellow monks, thanks to the Out of concern for Martin, his fellow monks, thanks to the printing press, gave him a copy of the Bible. There Luther printing press, gave him a copy of the Bible. There Luther found two passages that would change his life and history:found two passages that would change his life and history:

““For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man yourselves:  it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.” should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)(Ephesians 2:8-9)

““Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”without the deeds of the law.”   (Romans 3:28) (Romans 3:28) 

As Luther put it, As Luther put it, ““Thereupon I felt as if I had been born Thereupon I felt as if I had been born again and had entered paradise through wide open gates.  again and had entered paradise through wide open gates.  Immediately the whole of Scripture took on a new Immediately the whole of Scripture took on a new meaning for me.  I raced through the Scriptures, so far as meaning for me.  I raced through the Scriptures, so far as my memory went, and found analogies in other my memory went, and found analogies in other expressions.” expressions.” 

From this experience, Luther concluded that faith is a From this experience, Luther concluded that faith is a “free gift of God”“free gift of God” and that no amount of praying, good and that no amount of praying, good deeds, or self-abuse could affect one’s salvation.  Only deeds, or self-abuse could affect one’s salvation.  Only faith could do that.faith could do that.

In the following years, Luther’s ideas quietly In the following years, Luther’s ideas quietly matured as he pursued a career as a professor of matured as he pursued a career as a professor of theology.  theology. 

Then, in 1517, trouble erupted.  Pope Leo X, Then, in 1517, trouble erupted.  Pope Leo X, desperate for money to complete the magnificent desperate for money to complete the magnificent St. Peter’s cathedral in Rome, authorized the sale St. Peter’s cathedral in Rome, authorized the sale of indulgences.  of indulgences.  These were documents issued by the Church to relieve These were documents issued by the Church to relieve

their owners of time in purgatory, a place they must go their owners of time in purgatory, a place they must go after death to get rid of the temporal punishment due to after death to get rid of the temporal punishment due to sin.  sin. 

Originally, indulgences had been granted to crusaders Originally, indulgences had been granted to crusaders for their efforts for the faith.  In time they were sold to for their efforts for the faith.  In time they were sold to any of the faithful who wanted them.  The idea was that any of the faithful who wanted them.  The idea was that the money paid was the result of one’s hard work and the money paid was the result of one’s hard work and was sanctified by being donated to the Church.  was sanctified by being donated to the Church. 

However, it was easily subject to abuse as a convenient However, it was easily subject to abuse as a convenient way to raise money.way to raise money.

Indulgence sales were especially profitable in Indulgence sales were especially profitable in Germany where there was no strong central Germany where there was no strong central government to stop the Church from taking government to stop the Church from taking money out of the country.  money out of the country.  This greatly angered many Germans and made them This greatly angered many Germans and made them

more ready to listen to criticism of the Church when it more ready to listen to criticism of the Church when it came.  came. 

The Church’s agent for selling indulgences in The Church’s agent for selling indulgences in Brandenburg in Northern Germany, John Tetzel, used Brandenburg in Northern Germany, John Tetzel, used some highly questionable methods.  some highly questionable methods. 

He reportedly told local peasants that these He reportedly told local peasants that these indulgences would releive them of the guilt for sins indulgences would releive them of the guilt for sins they wished to commit in the future and that, after they wished to commit in the future and that, after buying them, the surrounding hills would turn to buying them, the surrounding hills would turn to silver.  silver. 

He even had a little jingle, much like a commercial:  He even had a little jingle, much like a commercial:  ““As soon as coin in coffer rings a soul from Purgatory As soon as coin in coffer rings a soul from Purgatory springs.”springs.”

Luther was then a professor in nearby Luther was then a professor in nearby Wittenberg, Saxony, not far from the Wittenberg, Saxony, not far from the home of the Hussite heresy in Bohemia.  home of the Hussite heresy in Bohemia.  When some local people showed him the When some local people showed him the indulgences they had bought, he denied indulgences they had bought, he denied they were valid.  they were valid. 

Tetzel denounced Luther for this, and Tetzel denounced Luther for this, and Luther took up the challenge.  Luther took up the challenge. 

According to legend, on October 31, According to legend, on October 31, 1517, he nailed his Ninety-Five Theses, 1517, he nailed his Ninety-Five Theses, or statements criticizing various Church or statements criticizing various Church practices, to the door of Wittenberg practices, to the door of Wittenberg Church.Church.

Excerpts from the Ninety-Five ThesesExcerpts from the Ninety-Five Theses26. They preach mad, who say that the soul flies out of 26. They preach mad, who say that the soul flies out of

purgatory as soon as the money thrown into the chest purgatory as soon as the money thrown into the chest rattles.rattles.

27. It is certain that, when the money rattles in the chest, 27. It is certain that, when the money rattles in the chest, avarice and gain may be increased, but the suffrage of the avarice and gain may be increased, but the suffrage of the Church depends on the will of God alone…Church depends on the will of God alone…

32. Those who believe that, through letters of pardon, they 32. Those who believe that, through letters of pardon, they are made sure of their own salvation, will be eternally are made sure of their own salvation, will be eternally damned along with their teachers.damned along with their teachers.

43.Christians should be taught that he who gives to a poor 43.Christians should be taught that he who gives to a poor man, or lends to a needy man, does better than if he man, or lends to a needy man, does better than if he bought pardons…bought pardons…

56. The treasures of the Church, whence the Pope grants 56. The treasures of the Church, whence the Pope grants indulgences, are neither sufficiently named nor known indulgences, are neither sufficiently named nor known among the people of Christ.among the people of Christ.

65 & 66. Hence the treasures of the Gospel are nets, 65 & 66. Hence the treasures of the Gospel are nets, wherewith they now fish for the men of riches...The wherewith they now fish for the men of riches...The treasures of indulgences are nets, wherewith they now fish treasures of indulgences are nets, wherewith they now fish for the riches of men…for the riches of men…

86. Again; why does not the Pope, whose riches are at this 86. Again; why does not the Pope, whose riches are at this day more ample than those of the wealthiest of the day more ample than those of the wealthiest of the wealthy, build the one Basilica of St. Peter when his own wealthy, build the one Basilica of St. Peter when his own money, rather than with that of poor believers…?money, rather than with that of poor believers…?

Luther’s purpose was not to break away Luther’s purpose was not to break away from the Church, but merely to stimulate from the Church, but merely to stimulate debate, a time honored academic debate, a time honored academic tradition.  The result, however, was a full-tradition.  The result, however, was a full-scale religious reformation that would scale religious reformation that would destroy Europe’s religious unity forever.destroy Europe’s religious unity forever.

Soon copies of Luther’s Ninety-five Theses Soon copies of Luther’s Ninety-five Theses were printed and spread all over Germany were printed and spread all over Germany where they found a receptive audience.  where they found a receptive audience.  Indulgence sales plummeted and the Indulgence sales plummeted and the

authorities in Rome were soon concerned authorities in Rome were soon concerned about this obscure professor from Wittenberg.  about this obscure professor from Wittenberg. 

Papal legates were sent to talk sense into Papal legates were sent to talk sense into Luther.  Luther. 

At first, Luther was open to reconciliation with At first, Luther was open to reconciliation with the Church but, more and more, he found himself the Church but, more and more, he found himself defying the Church.  His own rhetoric against the defying the Church.  His own rhetoric against the Church was becoming much more radical:Church was becoming much more radical: If Rome thus believes and teaches with the knowledge If Rome thus believes and teaches with the knowledge

of popes and cardinals (which I hope is not the case), of popes and cardinals (which I hope is not the case), then in these writings I freely declare that the true then in these writings I freely declare that the true Antichrist is sitting in the temple of God and is Antichrist is sitting in the temple of God and is reigning in Rome – that empurpled Babylon – and that reigning in Rome – that empurpled Babylon – and that the Roman Church is the Synagogue of Satan…If we the Roman Church is the Synagogue of Satan…If we strike thieves with the gallows, robbers with the strike thieves with the gallows, robbers with the sword, heretics with fire, why do we not much more sword, heretics with fire, why do we not much more attack in arms these masters of perdition, these attack in arms these masters of perdition, these cardinals, these popes, and all this sink of the Roman cardinals, these popes, and all this sink of the Roman Sodom which has without end corrupted the Church of Sodom which has without end corrupted the Church of God, and wash our hands in their blood?God, and wash our hands in their blood?

……Oh that God from heaven would soon destroy thy Oh that God from heaven would soon destroy thy throne and sink it in the abyss of Hell!….Oh Christ my throne and sink it in the abyss of Hell!….Oh Christ my Lord, look down, let the day of they judgment break, Lord, look down, let the day of they judgment break, and destroy the devil’s nest at Rome.and destroy the devil’s nest at Rome.

Luther also realized how to exploit the Luther also realized how to exploit the issue of the Italian church draining money issue of the Italian church draining money from Germany:from Germany: Some have estimated that every year more Some have estimated that every year more

than 300,000 gulden find their way from than 300,000 gulden find their way from Germany to Italy…We here come to the heart Germany to Italy…We here come to the heart of the matter…How comes it that we Germans of the matter…How comes it that we Germans must put up with such robbery and such must put up with such robbery and such extortion of our property at the hands of the extortion of our property at the hands of the pope?….If we justly hand thieves and behead pope?….If we justly hand thieves and behead robbers, why should we let Roman avarice go robbers, why should we let Roman avarice go free?  For he is the greatest thief and robber free?  For he is the greatest thief and robber that has come or can come into the world, and that has come or can come into the world, and all in the holy name of Christ and St. Peter.  all in the holy name of Christ and St. Peter.  Who can longer endure it or keep silence?Who can longer endure it or keep silence?

The papal envoy, Aleander, described The papal envoy, Aleander, described the anti-Catholic climate in Germany:the anti-Catholic climate in Germany:   ……All Germany is up in arms against Rome.  All Germany is up in arms against Rome. 

All the world is clamoring for a council that All the world is clamoring for a council that shall meet on German soil.  Papal bulls of shall meet on German soil.  Papal bulls of excommunication are laughed at.  Numbers excommunication are laughed at.  Numbers of people have ceased to receive the of people have ceased to receive the sacrament of penance…  Martin (Luther) is sacrament of penance…  Martin (Luther) is pictured with a halo above his head.  The pictured with a halo above his head.  The people kiss these pictures.  Such a quantity people kiss these pictures.  Such a quantity has been sold that I am unable to obtain has been sold that I am unable to obtain one…  I cannot go out in the streets but the one…  I cannot go out in the streets but the Germans put their hands to their swords Germans put their hands to their swords and gnash their teeth at me…and gnash their teeth at me…

What had started as a simple debate over What had started as a simple debate over Church practices was quickly becoming an Church practices was quickly becoming an open challenge to papal authority.  open challenge to papal authority. 

The Hapsburg emperor, Charles V, needing The Hapsburg emperor, Charles V, needing Church support to rule his empire, feared this Church support to rule his empire, feared this religious turmoil would spill over into political religious turmoil would spill over into political turmoil.  turmoil.  Therefore, although religiously tolerant by the day’s Therefore, although religiously tolerant by the day’s

standards, Charles felt he had to deal with this standards, Charles felt he had to deal with this upstart monk.  upstart monk. 

A council of German princes, the Diet of Worms, A council of German princes, the Diet of Worms, was called in 1521.  was called in 1521. 

At this council, the German princes, opposed At this council, the German princes, opposed to the growth of imperial power at their to the growth of imperial power at their expense, applauded Luther and his efforts.  As expense, applauded Luther and his efforts.  As a result, Charles had to summon Luther to the a result, Charles had to summon Luther to the diet so he could defend himself.diet so he could defend himself.

Luther’s friends, remembering John Hus’ Luther’s friends, remembering John Hus’ fate, feared treachery and urged him not to fate, feared treachery and urged him not to go.  But Luther was determined to go go.  But Luther was determined to go ““though there were as many devils in though there were as many devils in Worms as there are tiles on the roofs.”Worms as there are tiles on the roofs.”   

His trip to Worms was like a triumphal His trip to Worms was like a triumphal parade, as crowds of people came out to see parade, as crowds of people came out to see him.  him. 

Then came the climactic meeting between Then came the climactic meeting between the emperor and the obscure monk.  the emperor and the obscure monk.  Luther walked into an assembly packed to the Luther walked into an assembly packed to the

rafters with people sensing history in the rafters with people sensing history in the making.  making. 

A papal envoy stood next to a table loaded with A papal envoy stood next to a table loaded with Luther’s writings. Luther’s writings.

Asked if he would take back what he had said Asked if he would take back what he had said and written, Luther replied:and written, Luther replied: Unless I am convinced by the evidence of Scripture or Unless I am convinced by the evidence of Scripture or

by plain reason – for I do not accept the authority of by plain reason – for I do not accept the authority of the Pope, or the councils alone, since it is established the Pope, or the councils alone, since it is established that they have often erred and contradicted that they have often erred and contradicted themselves – I am bound by the scriptures I have cited themselves – I am bound by the scriptures I have cited and my conscience is captive to the Word of God.  I and my conscience is captive to the Word of God.  I cannot and will not recant anything, for it is neither cannot and will not recant anything, for it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience.  God help me.  safe nor right to go against conscience.  God help me.  Amen.Amen.

Having defied Church and empire, Luther was Having defied Church and empire, Luther was hurried out of town where he was “ambushed” hurried out of town where he was “ambushed” by his protector, Frederick the Wise of Saxony, by his protector, Frederick the Wise of Saxony, and hidden in Wartburg castle to keep him out of and hidden in Wartburg castle to keep him out of harm’s way.  However, although Luther dropped harm’s way.  However, although Luther dropped out of sight for a year, the Reformation did not.out of sight for a year, the Reformation did not.

Because of his criticism of papal Because of his criticism of papal authority and Church practices, authority and Church practices, Luther had been excommunicated Luther had been excommunicated from the Church.  This along with from the Church.  This along with the dramatic meeting at Worms led the dramatic meeting at Worms led him to make a final break with the him to make a final break with the Catholic Church and form Catholic Church and form Lutheranism, the first of the Lutheranism, the first of the Protestant faiths.  Protestant faiths.  This was not a new religion.  This was not a new religion.  It had basically the same beliefs about It had basically the same beliefs about

God as the Catholic faith.  God as the Catholic faith. 

However, there were four main beliefs in the Lutheran However, there were four main beliefs in the Lutheran faith that differed substantially from Catholicism.faith that differed substantially from Catholicism. (1) (1) Faith alone is necessary for salvation.Faith alone is necessary for salvation.   No amount of No amount of

good works can make any difference because man is so lowly good works can make any difference because man is so lowly compared to God.  In the Catholic faith, penance and good compared to God.  In the Catholic faith, penance and good works are important to salvation.works are important to salvation.

(2) Religious truth and authority are found in the word (2) Religious truth and authority are found in the word of God as revealed in the Bible, not in any visible of God as revealed in the Bible, not in any visible institutions of the Church.institutions of the Church.    This largely reflects what This largely reflects what Wycliffe had said about the many institutions and rituals the Wycliffe had said about the many institutions and rituals the Church valued.  As a result, Lutheranism tended to be simpler Church valued.  As a result, Lutheranism tended to be simpler in practice than Catholicism.in practice than Catholicism.

(3) The church is the community of all believers, and (3) The church is the community of all believers, and there is no real difference between priest and layman in there is no real difference between priest and layman in the eyes of God. the eyes of God.  The Catholic Church gave greater status to The Catholic Church gave greater status to the clergy who devoted their lives to God.the clergy who devoted their lives to God.

(4) The essence of Christian living is in serving God in (4) The essence of Christian living is in serving God in one’s own calling.one’s own calling.   In other words, all useful occupations, In other words, all useful occupations, not just the priesthood, are valuable in God’s eyes.  This not just the priesthood, are valuable in God’s eyes.  This especially appealed to the rising middle class whose concern especially appealed to the rising middle class whose concern for money was seen as somewhat unethical by the Medieval for money was seen as somewhat unethical by the Medieval Church.Church.

ISSUEMEDIEVAL

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHMARTIN LUTHER

SalvationFaith plus good works required for salvation

Faith alone the basis for salvation

Religious authorityReligious authority rests with the Church

Bible is the basis for religious authority

Man’s relationship to God

Church served as intermediary between God and man

Priesthood of all believers (no intermediary required)

Sacraments

Baptism, penance, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders. Extreme Unction

Sacraments, dispensed by the Church, are essential for salvation

Baptism, Holy Eucharist

Communion

Transubstantiation: Process whereby the bread and wine is transformed into the body and blood of Christ

Consubstantiation: Process whereby the bread and wine and the body and blood of Christ are both present

Calling Limited to religious vocationsBroader concept of calling made secular life respectable

Church governmentHierarchical (Pope, cardinals, archbishops, priests, laymen)

Challenged papal authority

Civil government

Church has authority in religious matters; state has authority in temporal matters. If there is a conflict, Church authority takes precedence.

Denied the right of rebellion (e.g., the Peasants Revolt)

DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PROTESTANTS AND CATHOLICS

PROTESTANTS CATHOLICS (COUNCIL OF TRENT)

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH: Christ's sacrifice atones for all sins, and it is only necessary to believe in it to be saved. There is nothing humans can do by their own efforts to add or detract from it.

Both FAITH AND GOOD WORKS (acts of devotion, charity, the sacraments, etc.) are necessary for salvation.

The PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS: All believers have equal access to God and no other earthly intermediaries are needed. This does not mean that the flock does not need teachers, but there are no special sacramental functions belonging to any particular class.

The CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD is necessary as only priests can perform the sacraments necessary for spiritual health and correctly interpret the meaning of scripture.

The SCRIPTURES AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF TRUE DOCTRINE: Studying and understanding the scriptures is therefore important to all believers. Translating the Bible into the vernacular tongues and making it available to all is essential.

SCRIPTURE IS ONLY ONE WAY IN WHICH DOCTRINE IS REVEALED. The decisions of church councils, encyclicals from the Pope, tradition, etc., are all part of it. Only the priesthood of the church can correctly interpret the meaning of scripture. Do not try this at home.

The LORD'S SUPPER IS SYMBOLIC and the body and blood of Christ are not physically present. To believe otherwise is to commit idolatry.

The EUCHARIST IS A MYSTERY in which the sacrifice of Christ is reenacted; the bread and wine become spiritually transformed into the true body and blood of the Lord.

NO HEAVENLY INTERMEDIARIES ARE NEEDED to intercede with God. Although the Virgin Mary, saints, and angels are all in heaven, they should not be the objects of prayer or veneration. The making of images encourages idolatrous worship that should be directed at the more abstract concept of God.

Although the saints and angels should not be worshipped, their INTERCESSION IS VALUABLE AND NECESSARY to helping the Christian to achieve salvation. The Virgin Mary is especially honored by God, and should be also by believers. Religious images should not be worshipped, but they help to inspire devotion. (These fine points were often lost on the average peasant.)

God's foreknowledge and omnipotence mean that EVERYONE IS PREDESTINED TO THEIR FATE: either to be or not to be one of the elect. Human action avails nothing.

GOD'S OMNIPOTENCE DOES NOT RESTRICT HUMAN WILL, and each individual is still responsible for earning their own salvation.

The Bible only documents TWO SACRAMENTS: BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER (so called to distinguish the Protestant practice from the Catholic Eucharist)

There are SEVEN SACRAMENTS: Baptism, Holy Eucharist (see above), Penance (confession/ absolution), Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Extreme Unction (last rites). Of these, Baptism can be performed by anyone in an emergency and marriage (a historical newcomer to the list) is technically bestowed by the two partners on one another. All the rest can only be performed by a priest or bishop

When the Church burned 300 copies of Hus’ and When the Church burned 300 copies of Hus’ and Wycliffe’s writings in the early 1400’s, this dealt a heavy Wycliffe’s writings in the early 1400’s, this dealt a heavy blow to the movement.  However, from the start of the blow to the movement.  However, from the start of the Reformation, printed copies of Luther’s writings were Reformation, printed copies of Luther’s writings were spread far and wide in such numbers that the movement spread far and wide in such numbers that the movement could not be contained.  could not be contained. 

By 1524, there were 990 different books in print in By 1524, there were 990 different books in print in Germany.  Eighty percent of those were by Luther and Germany.  Eighty percent of those were by Luther and his followers, with some 100,000 copies of his German his followers, with some 100,000 copies of his German translation of the Bible in circulation by his death.  translation of the Bible in circulation by his death.  Comparing that number to the 300 copies of Comparing that number to the 300 copies of Wycliffe/Hus writings underscores the decisive role of Wycliffe/Hus writings underscores the decisive role of the printing press in the Protestant Reformation.the printing press in the Protestant Reformation.

When discussing who in society went Lutheran or stayed When discussing who in society went Lutheran or stayed Catholic and why, various economic and political factors Catholic and why, various economic and political factors were important, but the single most important factor in were important, but the single most important factor in one’s decision was religious conviction.  This was still an one’s decision was religious conviction.  This was still an age of faith, and we today must be careful not to age of faith, and we today must be careful not to downplay that factor. downplay that factor. 

However, other factors did influence various groups in the However, other factors did influence various groups in the faith they adopted:faith they adopted: Many German princes saw adopting Lutheranism as an opportunity Many German princes saw adopting Lutheranism as an opportunity

to increase their own power by confiscating Church lands and to increase their own power by confiscating Church lands and wealth.  wealth. 

Many middle class businessmen felt the Lutheran faith justified Many middle class businessmen felt the Lutheran faith justified their activities as more worthwhile in the eyes of God.  their activities as more worthwhile in the eyes of God. 

The lower classes at times adopted one faith as a form of protest The lower classes at times adopted one faith as a form of protest against the ruling classes.  As a result, nobles tended to be against the ruling classes.  As a result, nobles tended to be suspicious of the spread of the Protestant faith as a form of social suspicious of the spread of the Protestant faith as a form of social and political rebellion.  and political rebellion. 

Many Germans also saw Lutheranism as a reaction against the Many Germans also saw Lutheranism as a reaction against the Italian controlled Church that drained so much money from Italian controlled Church that drained so much money from Germany.Germany.

Lutheranism did not win over all of Germany, let alone all Lutheranism did not win over all of Germany, let alone all of Europe.  of Europe.  Within Germany, Lutherans were strongest in the north, while the Within Germany, Lutherans were strongest in the north, while the

south largely remained Catholic.  south largely remained Catholic.  However, Germany’s central location helped Protestants spread However, Germany’s central location helped Protestants spread

their doctrine from Northern Germany to Scandinavia, England, their doctrine from Northern Germany to Scandinavia, England, and the Netherlands.and the Netherlands.

Although Luther had not originally intended Although Luther had not originally intended to break with Rome, once it was done he tried to break with Rome, once it was done he tried to keep the religious movement from straying to keep the religious movement from straying from its true path of from its true path of righteousness. Therefore, he came out of righteousness. Therefore, he came out of hiding to denounce new more radical hiding to denounce new more radical preachers.  preachers. 

He also made the controversial stand of He also made the controversial stand of supporting the German princes against a supporting the German princes against a major peasant revolt in Germany in 1525.major peasant revolt in Germany in 1525. He saw the German princes’ support as vital to the He saw the German princes’ support as vital to the

Reformation’s survival.  Reformation’s survival.  This opened Luther to attacks by more radical This opened Luther to attacks by more radical

Protestants who saw him as too conservative, Protestants who saw him as too conservative, labeling him the “Wittenberg Pope.” labeling him the “Wittenberg Pope.” 

However, as the Protestant movement grew However, as the Protestant movement grew and spread, it became increasingly harder for and spread, it became increasingly harder for Luther to control.Luther to control.

Martin Luther died on February 18, 1546, at the age Martin Luther died on February 18, 1546, at the age of 63.  By this time events had gotten largely out of of 63.  By this time events had gotten largely out of his control and were taking violent and radical turns his control and were taking violent and radical turns that Luther never would have liked.  that Luther never would have liked. 

Ironically, Luther, who had started his career with Ironically, Luther, who had started his career with such a tortured soul and unleashed such disruptive such a tortured soul and unleashed such disruptive forces on Europe, died quite at peace with God and forces on Europe, died quite at peace with God and himself.himself.

Like so many great men, he was both a part of his Like so many great men, he was both a part of his times and ahead of those times, thus serving as a times and ahead of those times, thus serving as a bridge to the future.  bridge to the future.  He went to the grave with many old Medieval Christian He went to the grave with many old Medieval Christian

beliefs.  beliefs.  However, his ideas shattered However, his ideas shattered

Christian unity in Western Europe, Christian unity in Western Europe, opening the way for new visions andopening the way for new visions andideas in such areas as capitalism, ideas in such areas as capitalism, democracy, and science – ideas thatdemocracy, and science – ideas thatshape our civilization today.shape our civilization today.