The Protestant Reformation

Christian Humanism “Northern Renaissance Humanism” Believed their views would reform the Church. Believed that in order to change society they had to change human beings first. Desiderius Erasmus believed Christianity should tell people how to live daily life. – Wrote The Praise of Folly Discussed what aspects of society needed change.

Why the Need to Reform the Church? Corruption – Popes became too involved with Italian politics – Church officials used power to advance careers and personal wealth Priests neglected to fulfill duties. – Refused to give advice to church goers People began to search for Indulgences – – Release from all or part of punishment for sin

Review How did Erasmus pave the road for the Reformation? – He Criticized the abuses in the Church. Why were people disillusioned with the Catholic Church? – The clergy was corrupt. Parish Priests seemed ignorant of their spiritual duties.

Martin Luther Monk and professor at University of Wittenberg – Discovered answer to the question of salvation Man cannot do enough good acts to earn salvation. Saved through faith NOT good works – The Bible became his only source of religious truth

Ninety-Five Theses Luther upset with the sale of Indulgences – Sent document (Ninety-Five Theses) to his church superiors. Stated his discontent with Indulgences Pope Leo X did not take Luther seriously. – Claimed he was a drunken German.

A Break With the Church Luther wanted to overthrow the papacy in Germany and establish a reformed German Church

Luther’s Views Disliked Church’s System of Sacraments – Felt they destroyed the meaning of the gospel – Only kept Baptism and Eucharist (Communion) Believed faith alone brings salvation.

Luther and the Church Excommunicated in 1521 Summoned by Charles V to the city of Worms – Charles V believed he could change Luther Luther refused to change his beliefs – Edict of Worms stated Luther was an outlaw, his works were to be burned and himself put to death Emperor refused and put Luther in hiding.

Lutheranism Luther’s religious movement flourished. – German rulers took over churches and supervised them Luther set up religious services. – Bible Readings – Preaching the word of God – Song Became known as Lutheranism – The First Protestant Faith

Luther’s Crisis German Peasants revolt against Lords – Request Luther to help their cause – Luther declares support of the Lords. Lords crushed the revolt – Leaving Luther dependent on the state for growth of Lutheranism

Politics and Lutheranism Religious wars sparked throughout Charles V’s lands of the Roman Empire and Spain. Ending after almost 30 years with… The Peace of Augsburg: – Accepted the division of Christianity in Germany People could choose between Catholicism and Lutheranism.