The Reformation and Counter-Reformation

By Mrs. Hoff

Christianit

y

Catholic Orthodox Protestant

Christianity Breakdown

The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-

century split within Western Christianity initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other early Protestants.

These reformers were “protesting” certain practices of the Church; therefore, their followers are called “Protestants”.

What was the Reformation?

The spread of Renaissance ideas, such as

individualism. Claims of corruption among the clergy

undermined the Church’s authority. Plague had weakened the Church’s authority. Criticism of church practices by earlier religious

leaders. People wanted their beliefs to be more personal,

to read the Bible for themselves and have more control over their salvation.

Causes of the Reformation

Martin Luther, a German monk, protested the

sale of indulgences, how one received salvation, teachings that didn’t come from the Bible, and the interpretation of communion, among others.

He posted his 95 Theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg, hoping to spark discussion and reform.

Luther begins to teach his views on salvation and his own interpretation of the Bible to others.

The breakup of the churches is called a schism.

Luther Challenges the Church

The Pope excommunicates Luther. The Holy Roman emperor declares Luther a

heretic and outlaw. Luther’s followers grow; other kingdoms and

principalities adopt his teachings. Sparks a peasant revolt in 1524 and religious

wars within present-day Germany.

The Response to Luther

John Calvin creates his own system of

Protestant theology which spreads quickly. The city of Geneva becomes a theocracy

based on his teachings. Scottish, Swiss, Dutch, and French reformers

adopt Calvinist doctrine, which leads to many more religious wars.

Calvin Begins another Protestant Church

The pope refuses to annul King Henry VIII’s

marriage. Henry resolves the problem by asking

Parliament to end the pope’s power in England. Parliament passes an act making the English

King, not the pope, the head of the Church of England.

Clashes over religious reform grow when Henry’s heirs take the throne.

England becomes Protestant

Stimulated the education of women Promoted literacy for the masses – printing

press Justified independence from the church for

both the aristocracy and the common people. Religious wars throughout Europe. Caused the Counter-Reformation.

Effects of the Protestant Reformation

Protestant CatholicPope is not the authority of the church

Pope is the authority of the church

Salvation is by faith alone Faith and good works needed for salvation

Bible is the source for teachings Bible and other church teachings are the basis for teachings

Individuals interpret the Bible Priest and Pope interpret the Bible

Communion – Jesus’ presence Communion – Jesus’ body

Protestantism vs. Catholicism

Catholic Church wanted to reform and stop the

spread of Protestantism.

Catholic Reformation

Eliminate the abuse of power Rebirth of faith among followers Reassess the Church’s beliefs Restore the authority of the pope Halt the spread of Protestantism

Catholic Reformation Goals:

Inquisition:

Get rid of non-Catholics Restore the pope’s authority Curtail Humanist thinking – created the first

banned book list in the West

Catholic Reformation Methods:

Council of Trent:

Clearly defined Church doctrine, made it uniform for all Catholics

Forbids the sale of indulgences, sets up clergy behavior, makes the rituals of the Church uniform.

Catholic Reformation Methods:

Strengthens the church, helps them regain

some members. Encourages the missionary spirit of the church

to foreign countries. Doesn’t stop the spread of Protestantism.

Results:

Protestant belief is strong The printing press is cranking out Protestant

ideas, so they are spreading far and wide. Became the state religion in many areas

because it benefits the rulers of that area (able to seize Catholic lands, don’t have to pay taxes to the church, don’t have to listen to the pope).

For common people, it’s a form of protest against authority (the nobility and the Pope).

Why doesn’t it stop the spread of Protestantism?