The Reformation in Europe

Movements for Reform 1400-1500s, calls for a broader representation of the church- less papal authority (therefore having a more secular rule) Lay people (ordinary rather than clergy) and religious movement at this time stressed emulation of the behavior of the early founders of Christianity- Franciscans, John Wycliffe (1320- 1384) etc… The challenge was always the same- salvation did not depend on obedience to the papacy of the performance of rituals prescribed by the church These ideas were supported by those rulers who saw that they might benefit from a less powerful church (remember John Green and the Prussian guy)

Movements for Reform This of course was strictly condemned by the papal authorities (and yet you get the very popular Imitation of Christ by Kempis) Christian Humanism- a challenge to the luxury of the institution of the church The time was full of people reflecting on family life, personal responsibility and authority (legitimacy), increased approval of secular rule- an atmosphere of revolution I guess you could say Printing Press- spread of ideas like never before Enter Martin Luther…

Luther and Protestantism Crisis of Faith- How do I attain salvation? What assurances do I have that I am proceeding properly in life? What is my relationship to my community and to God? Prevailing theology- doing good works will allow for salvation- yet Luther found Romans 1:17- …faith for faith… Indulgences really got him going- 1517- friar Tetzel- “as soon as coin in coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs” 95 Theses, originally written in Latin but were translated and spread across Germany The problem with venting is sometimes you get support and then you have to actually develop your position

Luther and Protestantism By 1520 Luther was quite the celebrity and was officially breaking from the church and asked the German Princes to reform the Church in their areas of power Luther was excommunicated in 1520 and in 1521 was labelled a heretic. The Holy Roman Emperor finally wades into the issue and calls the Diet of Worms (wants Luther to recant- he doesn’t Luther hides out for a bit but the damage has been done, people all over Europe are taking up his teachings and by 1529 we see the appearance of the word Protestant

Social and Political Developments The Reformation quickly becomes a political matter when Luther sought the support of local German authorities Northern Europe vs. Rome (secular Princes against the clergy) Social upheavals (rarely intended by the historical actors)- German peasant uprisings (Luther is on our side right??), Crop failures 1523- 1524 Luther’s vision did not include political freedom and therefore condemned the peasants- 75,000 – 100,000 peasants died in the revolts

Social and Political Developments Areas that adopted Luther’s views- monasteries closed, clergy married, schools were established were the bible was taught- male/female literacy increased dramatically Ministers became pastors without the special powers of the priests, churches became the centre of community activity The speed of the spread of the reformation was incredible- 1530’s it affected all areas of Europe 1530’s- Northern Europe (Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Scotland…England?)

Reformation Spreads Zwingli 1484- 1531- Switzerland- public morality Anabaptists 1530 Diet of Augsburg- Charles V- war! 1555 Peace of Augsburg- “who rules the territory determines the religion”- NOT freedom of religion

John Calvin John Calvin 1509- 1564- personal relationship with God 1536- Institutes of the Christian Religion- the definitive coherent statement of Protestantism “God alone determines who will be saved; at the same time everyone is obliged to live a good life, in obedience” Rigid moral code- Church and State were separated- the state’s purpose was to act as the arm of religious belief in politics Moved to Geneva- Religious dissent in the new religion was not tolerated- Michael Servitus (poor guy) Witchcraft

England Full of papal discontent Henry VIII 1509- 1547- “Defender of the Faith”…and then he wanted a divorce Henry VIII used the English parliament to reduce the power of the Church and in 1534 passed the Act of Supremacy- Church of England Monasteries closed, lands dissolved, property distributed to landlords who are now in the good books of Henry Elizabeth I continued his plan and strengthens the church, expecting conformity, expelling dissenters (Mayflower)

So What? Lutherans, Calvinists, Anabaptists, Anglicans, etc… The family became a more important unit, emphasis on home prayer and bible study, education of the masses encouraged- combination of Lutheran and Humanists goals Rulers now looked to create churches that consolidated their power, wealth retained locally In Catholic areas, Protestants were oppressed