Protestant Reformation What was it? – A religious reform movement that divided the western...

Protestant Reformation

• What was it?– A religious reform

movement that divided the western “Church” into two groups:• Catholic• Protestant

• Why did it happen?– The changes in

intellectual thought brought about in the Renaissance.

– Knowledge of corruption in the Catholic Church led to challenges of the Pope’s authority.

Protestant Reformation

• Christian Humanists– The classical learning of the

Ren. spread the idea of humanism into religion.

– Christian humanists believed in the ability of human beings to reason and improve themselves, especially in matters of faith.

• Believed…– If people read the

classics and become more intelligent, then read and understand the Bible, they would become more pious.

– In order to change society and religion, they must first change the humans who makeup society.

Desiderius Erasmus

• A Christian Humanist• Believed his view of

religion would be the “philosophy of Christ.”

• Thought that Christianity should show people how to live good lives on a daily basis, rather than provide a system of beliefs that people had to practice in order to be saved.

Desiderius Erasmus

• Thought pilgrimages and fasts were not important.

• Criticized the abuses of the Catholic Church.– Did NOT want to break

away from the Church!

• 1509: Wrote The Praise of Folly which humorously made fun of society, but pointed out what needed to be reformed.

Corruption in the Catholic Church

• Many men were joining the clergy to gain power and wealth rather than because of faith.– Had secret spouses &

children

• 1450-1520: Series of “Ren. Popes” who failed to meet the Church’s spiritual needs.– Acted more like political

leaders.– Example: Pope Julius II

(“warrior Pope”) led armies against his enemies.

Corruption in the Catholic Church

• Many parish priests were ignorant of the scriptures and could not help ordinary citizens.

• Citizens desired salvation and began keeping relics (symbols of Christ) as a way to gain entrance into Heaven.

• The Church also sold “indulgences”: certificates that promised release from the punishment of sin.– Made lots of $$$$$

Martin Luther (1483-1546)• A monk and professor in

Wittenberg, Germany• Concluded neither priests or

the Pope could provide salvation.

• Believed that only true faith could save you.– Romans 5:1 – “Therefore having

been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

– Romans 11:6 – “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.”

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

• Thought that each person should read and understand the Bible on their own.

• “God will save you simply because God is merciful.”


• 1517: Nailed his “Ninety-Five Theses” to a church door.– Spoke out against selling

indulgences.– Thousands of copies

were made and spread all over Germany.


• For his writings, the Pope excommunicated Luther from the Catholic Church (1521).– Holy Roman Emperor,

Charles V, made Luther an outlaw (Edict of Worms).

– Frederick of Saxony protected Luther.

Rise of Protestantism

• “Protestant” means you’re still a Christian, just not Catholic.

• The first Protestants were called Lutherans because they believed in the religious view of Martin Luther.

• Kept baptism & communion.• Believe clergy should marry

and be a model of Christian marriage.

• Focuses on faith alone to gain salvation.

• Changed from Catholic version of mass to worship services.– Bible readings, preaching to

understanding, and song.

Believe that the Bible is the only source of religious truth

Ulrich Zwingli• Priest in Zürich, Switzerland.• Followed Luther and

reformed the church.– No relics or images– Scripture reading, prayer– Worship songs

• 1531: War broke out between Catholic and Protestant states in Switzerland.– Zwingli was found wounded.– Killed and cut up by his

enemies.

Peace of Augsburg

• Charles V (HRE & King of Spain)

began a war over Christianity in order to keep his political power.

• The German states sided with Luther.

• Charles V could not win and sought peace.

Peace of Augsburg

• 1555: Signed the Peace of Augsburg.– Formally accepted the

division of Christianity in Germany.

– German states were free to choose between Catholicism and Lutheranism• NOT the right of

individuals!

Protestant Reformation What was it? – A religious reform movement that divided the western...

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