ORIGINS OF THE REFORMATION

Historical Context: The Reformation  The reformation in the 14-16th centuries was rooted in demands for spiritual renewal and institutional change.  The pope and traditional Catholic theology were challenged by theologians John Wycliffe & John Huss.  Both attacked the Church’s involvement in politics and urged a return to the simple practices of the early apostolic church. Both claimed that the Bible-not the church- was the highest authority for Christians.  Both believed people should study the Bible by the on their own and sermons should be in their languages Perry, Peden and Von Laue. Sources of the Western Tradition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999

Historical Context: The Reformation  Several secular factors contributed to this heightening of spiritual feeling.  The wars, famines, and plagues of the late 14 th and 15 th centuries traumatized Europe.  The increasing educational level of the urban middle class and skilled laborers and the invention of the printing press allowed the rapid and inexpensive spread of new ideas. Perry, Peden and Von Laue. Sources of the Western Tradition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999

Humanism-back to the Renaissance  Finally, there was the influence of the humanist movement.  Many humanists promoted religious education.  They stimulated public interest in biblical study by publishing new editions of the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the church fathers, along with new devotional literature. Perry, Peden and Von Laue. Sources of the Western Tradition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999

Economic and Political concerns  In Germany, economic and political concerns joined with the demand for church reform.  The middle class resented Rome taxing them.  By supporting Martin Luther’s break with the church, nobles saw a way of taking church property in their territories and of resisting Charles V’s attempts to centralize control over the region, with the support of the Pope. Perry, Peden and Von Laue. Sources of the Western Tradition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999

Indulgences  Many more people were angered with the Catholic Church’s method spend lots of money to pay for new churches (St Peter’s), art, etc.  Popes authorized giving Indulgences away to those who agreed to perform some act of charity, almsgiving, prayer, pilgrimage, or other pious work  In 1515 the Pope began allowing people to buy Indulgences under the idea purchasing an indulgence would give them entrance into heaven. Perry, Peden and Von Laue. Sources of the Western Tradition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999

Hoblien the Younger’s Sale of Indulgences 1529

A scene from the play In Praise of Folly, Erasmus Characters: Pope Julius II and the Spirit of Saint Peter. Location: Gates of Heaven JULIUS: What the devil is this? The gates not opened! Something is wrong with the lock. Saint Peter: You have brought the wrong key perhaps. The key of your money-box will not open the door here. JULIUS: I never had any but this, and I don't see the use of another.

Continued…  JULIUS: Open the gates! We will break them down! I will fling a thunderbolt at you. I will excommunicate you. I have done as much to kings before this. Here are the Bulls ready.  PETER: Thunderbolts! Bulls! I beseech you, we had no thunderbolts or Bulls from Christ.

Cover of: In Praise of Folly, Erasmus Pope Julius II and the Spirit of Saint Peter at the Gates of Heaven

Ulrich von Hutten, German nobleman We see that there is no gold and almost no silver in our German land. What little may perhaps be left is drawn away daily by the new schemes of the Church. What is squeezed out of us is put to the most shameful uses. Dear Germans, I have seen for myself how Rome wastes our money, and it is shameful.

Martin Luther’s involvement…  The reformation of the Western Christian church in the sixteenth century was precipitated by Martin Luther  A pious German Augustinian monk and theologian, Luther had no intention of founding a new church or overthrowing the political and religious order of late medieval Europe.  Luther sought a reform of morals and an end to abusive practices within the church.  A visit to the papal court in Rome in 1510 left him profoundly shocked at its worldliness and disillusioned with the papacy’s role in the church’s governance.

Luther’s contribution  In 1517, Luther denounced the abuses connected with the preaching of papal indulgences.  This led to debating many other theological issues.  His opponents defended the use of indulgence on the basis of papal authority, shifting the debate to questions about the nature of the Pope’s powers  Luther responded with a vigorous attack on the whole system of papal governance.

Luther’s the Passion of Christ and Anti-Christ – (Jesus washing feet / Pope’s feet being kissed)