What impact did Luther have? The Reformation: What impact did Luther have? Understand some of Luther’s key beliefs and how he spread his message Be able to explain the importance of Luther Know what the Reformation was

The Protestant Reformers Many people had been criticising the Roman Catholic Church for some time. But in the early sixteenth century some very inspiring leaders started to gain large followings. These leaders are called reformers. The changes are called the Reformation. Two of the most important reformers were Martin Luther and John Calvin. People who followed Luther and Calvin were protesting about what they thought was wrong with the Catholic Church. The things that Luther and Calvin taught were very shocking. The Roman Catholic Church taught that Priests were necessary to find God and that the only head of the Church was the Pope.

The Protestant Reformers… what can you remember? Many people had been criticising the Roman Catholic Church for some time. But in the early sixteenth century some very inspiring leaders started to gain large followings. These leaders are called reformers. The changes are called the Reformation. Two of the most important reformers were Martin Luther and John Calvin. People who followed Luther and Calvin were protesting about what they thought was wrong with the Catholic Church. The things that Luther and Calvin taught were very shocking. The Roman Catholic Church taught that Priests were necessary to find God and that the only head of the Church was the Pope.

Luther decided to make an official Protest. Martin Luther was a key person who felt that some priests, bishops, archbishops, even the Pope himself did not behave well and devote themselves to their duties in the ways they should. Luther decided to make an official Protest. He drew up a list of 95 complaints which he called his ‘95 theses’ and posted them on the church door at Wittenburg in 1517 hoping for a debate with the educated university people of the town. I started my protest with a list of 95 points, which I pinned to the Church notice board!

What did I – Luther - believe? Why do you think I was so significant? What impact would my ideas have on ordinary people? What impact would my ideas have on the Catholic Church? … What do you think my next step is?

I set about establising my own Protestant Church, without the Pope and his bishops. This Church will be simple and plain. Priests are not special people and so will wear simple clothes too. I translated the bible from Latin into German…people should be able to read the bible for themselves!

Homework: Explain in one paragraph why Luther was important. Helpful tips: … What were some of Luther’s key beliefs? How did his ideas spread? Why did his ideas have such an impact on people and the Catholic Church? What did he do next?

Catholic or Protestant? How do you know?

Catholic or Protestant? How do you know? Look at the pictures you have of a Catholic and Protestant Church … You have 3 minutes to label your diagrams correctly! Countdown clock