U7LG2 – THE REFORMATION In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Indulgences Martin Luther Ninety-five Theses Excommunication Protestants E. Napp

During the Middle Ages, Catholics could buy indulgences. E. Napp

Indulgences An indulgence was a pardon for committing a sin. A Catholic could purchase an indulgence to reduce his time in purgatory. Purgatory was a place where those who died were temporarily punished for their sins. E. Napp

Martin Luther was a German priest. He was strongly opposed to the sale of indulgences. E. Napp

Martin Luther Martin Luther was a Catholic priest. He called for reforms within the Roman Catholic Church. In 1517, he posted his ninety-five theses on a church door in Germany. He criticized the Church for indulgences. E. Napp

Martin Luther believed that faith alone could save a person. E. Napp

Faith Alone Martin Luther questioned the Catholic Church’s power to save a man from Hell. He believed that only through personal faith in Jesus Christ could a person be saved. Luther challenged the power of the Roman Catholic Church. E. Napp

When Luther refused to recant his statements, the Pope excommunicated him. E. Napp

Excommunication When Luther refused to recant his statements, the Pope excommunicated Luther. (Jan. 1521) An excommunicated Catholic cannot participate fully in Church sacraments. It is the most serious penalty that the Church can inflict. E. Napp

Fortunately for Luther, German princes protected him and he was able to start his own church. (Frederick of Saxony) E. Napp

German Princes German princes protected Luther because they were tired of the power of the Catholic Church. Given protection, Luther was not burned at the stake and was able to start his own church. Protestants were individuals who had protested against the power and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. E. Napp

The invention of the printing press in 1455 by Johann Gutenberg helped Luther. The printing press allowed books to be manufactured faster and cheaper. Ideas spread. E. Napp

The Printing Press The printing press made it possible to manufacture books quickly. With increased production, books were cheaper and easier to acquire. Gutenberg’s invention helped Luther spread his ideas.

Questions for Reflection: What were indulgences? Why was Martin Luther opposed to the sale of indulgences? Why did Roman Catholic Church officials respond to Luther’s ninety-five theses with the eventual excommunication of Luther? Why did German princes protect Luther? How did the invention of the printing press help Protestants?

Revolution Luther gain support of German rulers, who took control of Catholic Church in their territories forming state churches, supervised by the government. Luther replaced mass with Bible Reading, Preaching, & Song. The doctrine became known as Lutheranism & churches Lutheran Church. E. Napp