The Protestant Reformation

R. H. Bainton The Reformation of the 16 c Thus, the papacy emerged as something between an Italian city-state and European power, without forgetting at the same time the claim to be the vice- regent of Christ. The Pope often could not make up his mind whether he was the successor of Peter or of Caesar. Such vacillation had much to do with the rise and success of the Protestant Reformation.

Caricature of Pope Alexander VI by Martin Luther, 1545

Causes of the Reformation?  Crises of the 14 th & 15 th centuries  Corruption in the Catholic Church  Simony  Pluralism  Absenteeism  Sale of indulgences  Nepotism  Moral decline of the Papacy  Clerical ignorance  Criticism  John Wycliff ( )  Jan Hus ( )  Thomas a’ Kempis ( )  Erasmus

The Spread of the Printing Press

The Holy Roman Empire in the 16 c

Martin Luther At father’s urgings began to study law at the University of Erfurt. Epiphany Augustinian Monk and later Professor at University of Wittenberg, Saxony Philosophical problem- How could good works ensure salvation?

Tetzel and Indulgences Crusades Cathedral of Saint Peter Leo X commissioned Tetzel to sell indulgences to finance this venture “As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs.”

95 Theses October 31, 1517 Nailed or delivered???? Criticism of Church authority –Questioned scriptural authority –Initial indifference from Leo X –Defiance & protection –Debate –1520 Published theology of reform –Excommunication Exurge Domine

The Spread of Lutheranism

Diet of Wurms (Worms) 1521 Mandated for excommunications by Charles V Luther refused to recant –“Here I stand, I can do no other” “Edict of Wurms” Protected by Frederick III Confessions of Augsburg 1530 Many German states turn to Lutheranism –Seizure of Catholic Church lands

Charles V, HRE (Hapsburg) STOP the spread of Protestantism Tried to maintain religious unity in fragmented Empire Focused on war with Ottomans and dynastic struggle in France (really sought to unify Europe)

The Peasant Revolt –

aka Peasant’s War, German Peasant’s Revolt, Swabian Peasant’s Uprising Twelve Articles: –Demanded end to serfdom, tithes, hunting rights, & other feudal practices Peasants resort to extreme violence Luther –People should obey worldly authorities –Sympathetic but abhors their violence –Urges German princes to meet violence with violence. –BOTH Catholic and Lutheran forces will take part in smashing the revolt- est 100k dead

Taking Sides Schmalkalden League –Formed by Lutheran princes to defend against Charles V –Francis I of France allies with Habsburg-Valois Wars (5X— ) –Catholic France supports Lutherans to keep Germany divided –Charles wins but at what cost? Lutheranism spread everywhere Charles gives up on restoring Catholicism to the HRE

1555 Peace of Augsburg Cuius regio, eius religio Voluntary(?) resettlement by religion Results in permanent religious division Reaffirms the independence of many German states This division stunted German nationalism; Germany will not be unified as a state until 1871

MORE PROTESTANTS Anabaptists: –Rejected secular agreements –No childhood baptism –Rejected the Trinity Longterm –Mennonites –Quakers –Unitarians

Calvin’s World in the 16 c

calvinism John Calvin Studies as a priest and then a…. –LAWYER Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536) –“Predestination” –Theocracy in Zurich 1540 –Consistory –Presbyterianism (Scotland) –Puritans

Protestant Churches in France (Late 16 c )

Reformation Europe (Late 16 c )