The Protestant Reformation

Mr. Koch

World History A

Forest Lake High School

Protestant Reformation

Medieval Church was closely tied to secular world

Many popes/clergy living in luxury

Much corruption

-selling indulgences

Martin Luther

German monk and professor

Disturbed by Church’s corruption and secular dealings

1517 A.D.

-Posted 95 Theses on door of church in Wittenburg

-Copies begin to circulate

Martin Luther

1521 – excommunicated by Pope Leo XAfter diet of Worms, declared outlaw by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VWent into hiding – started gaining followers

Changes advanced by Luther:

Salvation through faith (not good deeds)

Bible only real source of religious truth

(not clergy)

Made more accessible to common folk (vernacular)

Rejected sacraments not in the Bible

Simplified masses

Permitted clergy to marry

His followers set up Lutheran churches (Protestant)

John Calvin

Also wrote about proper religious organization

Similar to Luther – salvation through faith, Bible only truth

Calvinists believed in predestination – “saints & sinners”

Set up theocracy in Geneva – strict regulation of life

Religious wars and conflicts start erupting throughout Europe

As Reformation spreads, becomes more radical

Anabaptists – only adults can be baptized

English Reformation

King Henry VIII initially opposed Reformation

1527 – Wanted to annul marriage to Catherine of AragonWanted to marry Anne Boleyn – try for male heir

Pope Clement VII refused

English Reformation

1534 – Act of Supremacy

Authority of Church of England transferred from Pope to King

Established Anglican Church

English Reformation

Most of Protestant reforms took place after Henry

Conflict b/w Catholics/Protestants erupt after death

Edward VI – Protestant / Mary Tudor - Catholic

Elizabeth I restores unity through compromise

Anglican Church establishes firm, official position

Catholic Reformation

Church tries to change in reaction to Protestant Reformation1545 – Council of Trent

- called by Pope Paul IIIReaffirms Catholic beliefs, but tries to end abuses and improve education of clergy

Strengthened use of Inquisition

Religious persecution

Witch huntsTens of thousands killed b/w 1450-1750Common in areas where religious conflict prevalent

Usually social outcasts used as scapegoats

Religious persecution

Jews face increased pressure to convert and restrictions(Persecution of Jews had also been promoted by Luther)

Expelled from some areas or segregated into ghettos