THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION

I. Origins

dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church venerations of relics? indulgences?

Erasmus & Christian humanism believed in the ability of human beings to

reason & improve themselves (influence of the classics?)

impt. of piety – inward religious feeling Christianity should be about how one lives on a

daily basis, not what practices the church tells you to complete

II. Martin Luther

idea: justification by faith became the primary teaching of the Protestant

Reformation Johann Tetzel – a Dominican priest who sold

indulgences in Germany for Pope Leo X “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from

purgatory springs.” 95 Theses – posted on Oct. 31, 1517

challenged the sale of indulgences translated into German and distributed throughout

the German states see handout

major issue – Where did authority lie in the Christian church? the pope? Scripture?

Luther quote sola scriptura – “scripture alone”

changes in church practice 2 sacraments – baptism & the Eucharist allowed members of the clergy to marry all vocations have equal merit – one can serve God in his/her own

calling priesthood of all believers

Pope Leo X branded Luther as an outlaw, but the Duke of Saxony protected him Edict of Worms

III. Political Implications

Luther called upon the German princes to reform the church confiscate church wealth abolish indulgences

was a way to assert local authority the Peace of Augsburg (1555) recognized

the existence of Protestantism in Germany

IV. Zwinglian Reformation

Ulrich Zwingli (Zürich, Switzerland) beliefs:

abolished veneration of relics removed paintings & decorations from

church walls instituted a simple style of worship

did not ally with Luther due to a dispute over the Eucharist (communion)

V. Calvinism

John Calvin (Geneva, Switzerland) beliefs:

justification by faith all-powerful nature of God predestination – God had determined in

advance who was going to heaven (the elect) . . . and who wasn’t (the reprobate) this was an area where Calvin disagreed with Luther

sent missionaries across Europe the Puritans were of the Calvinist tradition

VI. Anglican Church (Church of England)

political origins Henry VIII wanted to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon (a

Catholic) so that he could marry Anne Boleyn the pope was reluctant to grant the annulment . . . so Henry VIII

took things into his own hands the Act of Supremacy (1534) severed the church in England

from the Catholic Church in Rome the king was now the head of the Church of England

beliefs: remained close to teachings of the Catholic Church clergy had the right to marry

Henry’s actions led to chaos in England after his death Edward VI – died w/o an heir Mary Tudor – attempted to return England to Catholicism Elizabeth I – back to Protestantism

VII.Anabaptism

Anabaptist = to baptize again part of the Radical Reformation leader: Menno Simons beliefs:

adult baptism all believers were equal

any member of the church could be a minister religious toleration separation of church & state pacifism

the Anabaptists were attacked by both Protestants & Catholics for their beliefs

VIII. The Catholic Reformation 3 parts 1. the Jesuits (Society of Jesus – founded by Ignatius of

Loyola) were educators vowed absolute obedience to the pope

2. reforms in the papacy recognized the corrupt practices of earlier popes, which in turn

led to ... 3. the Council of Trent (which met between 1545 and 1563)

re-affirmed traditional Catholic teachings faith & good works necessary for salvation

upheld seven sacraments & clerical celibacy forbade sale of indulgences led to a clear statement of Catholic church policy & doctrine