The Protestant Reformation Mr. Snell HRHS

Setting the Stage By 1000 the Roman Catholic Church had come to dominate religious life in Northern/Western Europe. No universal approval. Criticized for its practices. Too much worldly pursuit of wealth and power. Criticism leads to rebellion.

Causes of the Reformation 1500: Forces weaken the Church. – Renaissance secularism challenges authority. – Printing Press spread secular ideas. – Pope can’t impose central authority in Germany. – Northern merchants refuse paying taxes to Rome. New movement for religious reform in Germany.

Criticisms of the Catholic Church Corrupt leaders Spending tons of money on art, wars, personal pleasure. – Pope Alexander VI admitted to having many kids. Popes spending too much time on worldly affairs than devoting to spiritual duties. Poorly educated priests and monks. – Can’t read or teach others. – Broke vows, gambled, married, drank in excess.

Early Calls for Reform People had higher standards for priests. John Wycliffe & Jan Hus advocated reform. – Denied popes right to worldly power. Erasmus and Thomas More criticized too. Printing Press = more people reading religious text.

Luther Challenges the Church Martin Luther’s parents want him to become a lawyer, he became a monk, He wanted to be a good Christian, not lead a revolution.

The 95 Theses 1517 – Luther takes public stand against Johan Tetzel. Tetzel was raising money to rebuild a cathedral in Rome by selling indulgences. Indulgence – a religious pardon. People thought they could get into heaven by buying indulgences. 95 Theses - Luther nailed his response to the door of the church at Wittenberg, Germany. Reformation - The movement for religious reform began.

Luther’s Teachings - Salvation Catholic Church—Faith and good works were necessary to gain salvation Luther—”Through faith alone” According to Luther, the only authority for Christian living is the bible

Luther’s Teachings Went beyond criticizing selling indulgences. People could win salvation only by faith in God’s gift of forgiveness. – The Church taught that faith and “good works” were needed for salvation. All Church teachings should be clearly based on the words of the Bible. – Both the pope and Church traditions were false authorities. All people with faith were equal. – Therefore, people did not need priests to interpret the Bible for them.

Response to Luther At first, Church officials views him as a rebellious monk who needed punishment. – Rapidly got more serious. Luther said that Christians should drive the pope out of his office. Pope Leo X excommunicated Martin Luther.

The Emperor’s Opposition H.R.E Charles V also opposed Luther. Summoned Luther to a town called Worms to stand trial. Edict of Worms – Imperial order declaring Martin Luther and outlaw and heretic. – No one was to aid him with food or shelter. – All books of his to be burned. Prince Frederick the Wise of Saxony housed Luther in one of his castles. – Luther translated the New Testament into German. Separate religious group formed – Lutherans.

Edict of Worms

The Peasants Revolt 1524 – people had applied Luther’s ideas to society. Germans peasants demanded an end to serfdom! – Raided the countryside, monasteries, villages. Luther was horrified. – Wrote letter to princes saying to crush peasants. – 100,000 were slaughtered by German princes. Peasants felt betrayed, rejected Luther’s religious leadership.

Germany at War Many German princes supported Lutheranism. – Many for selfish reasons. – Good excuse to seize church property or gain independence from Charles V German princes who remained loyal to the pope agreed to join forces against Luther’s ideas. Protestants - Those princes who supported Luther signed a protest against that agreement. Protestant was applied to Christians who belonged to non- Catholic churches.

Peace of Augsberg Treaty between Charles V and Lutheran princes. All Catholic and Protestant priests called to city. Princes agreed that Each ruler would determine the religion in their state.

England becomes Protestant Henry VIII of England needs a male heir! Had only 1 daughter with his current wife, Catherine of Aragon. By 1527, he decided she would not give him a son. He needed a divorce. Catholic church law did not recognize divorce. Pope could annul his marriage if proof was found it wasn’t legal. Turned down by Pope, fearful of Charles V.

The Reformation Parliament Henry tries to get his own divorce – Henry VIII asks Parliament to enact laws ending the popes power in England – Henry secretly married Ann Boleyn (20). Act of Supremacy – Call all people to recognize Henry VIII as head of the church, not the pope. – Also accept his divorce with Catherine of Aragon. Thomas More opposed.

Consequences of Henry’s Changes Ann Boleyn gave birth to a daughter. – Charged with treason, executed. 3 rd Wife - Henry married Jane Seymour. – Gave him a son, Edward. – Wife died 2 weeks later. Married 3 more times. – No children Henry died in 1547, leaving 3 children to rule England. Son Edward – King at 9 years old! Daughter of Catherine: Mary – Returned English power to the pope. Elizabeth, daughter of Anne Boleyn. Henry VIII had 6 wives total.

Elizabeth Restores Protestantism 1559 – Church of England aka Anglican Church. Only legal church in England. Elizabeth at it’s head. Moderated Catholics and Protestants. – Priests can marry & Sermons in English. – Catholic traditions, Rich robes

Other Challenges… Brought religious peace to England. Protestants wanted deeper reforms. Catholics wanted to overthrow her. Money – Colonies not benefiting Queen directly.