The Reformation A Need For Reform

The Italian and Christian humanists denounced the corruption of the Church a) clerical immorality b) clerical ignorance c) clerical pluralism At the village level priests were not much better off than peasants Government officials were often rewarded with clerical positions

Popes were just as corrupt: Alexander VI publicly acknowledged his mistress and children Julius II led an army against France

Many priest had concubines, drunkenness, gambling, and elaborate dress were common Many priest could barely read or write Christian humanists condemned the ignorance of the Church The Church held a large portion of European wealth

Europe was still deeply religious and many groups wanted reform Martin Luther would force the issue

Born in East Germany from peasant stock Almost hit by lightning became religious Entered a strict monastery against his father’s wishes Disillusioned with the Church questioned good works: prayers, fasting, etc.

“The just shall live by his faith” if people had faith God will save them

Archbishop Albert of Magdeburg hired John Tetzel to oversee the collection of funds Luther openly criticized the abuses of Indulgences October 31, 1517, he posted his 95 theses on the Castle Church in Wittenberg Spread without Luther’s knowledge. Reasons for success: a) Germany resented papal power b) Distance from Rome c) Lack of central authority to mediate the dispute

Pope Leo X did not take the threat seriously Church opinion was espoused by Tetzel Diet of Ausburg demanded that Luther recant. Luther refused and even criticized the pope

The church wanted to banish Luther but he was protected by Frederick the Wise Under increasing pressure Luther’s views became more critical Luther: a) defended the radical matyr Hus b) Proclaimed the Bible was the supreme authority c) Appealed to the German nobles to stop the abuses of the church d) Recognized good work but emphasized faith

The pope gave Luther 60 days to recant Luther burned the papal bull Luther appealed to the Holy Roman Emperor to hear the argument at the Diet of Worms Luther refused to modify his views and said “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise” Luther was abducted an placed in Wartburg Castle for his own protection

Abandoned the cloth and married and had six children Luther was not a revolutionary Knew the Church would not change Concerned with issues of the soul Equality of all people before God

Luther believed: salvation comes by faith alone religious authority resides in the Bible and is open to interpretation the church is a community of believers all vocations are equal in the eyes of God there are only 2 sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper the importance of marriage a women’s place was in the home

Luther gained wide support among the peasants but they misunderstood him Business people envied the church and disapproved of the clergy’s lifestyle But Luther meant independence from the Roman Catholic Church not simply freedom

Still religion was a public matter Very few believed in religious liberty Humanists validated Luther’s words While Luther’s translation of the Bible into German made it an issue of nationalism

In the Habsburg-Valois War, Catholic France supported Protestant Germany against Catholic Spain The Peace of Augsburg (1555) officially recognized Lutheranism and each prince could decide the religion of his territory Northern Germany -Protestant Southern Germany - Catholic The Protestant movement proved a disaster for Germany

Calvinism John Calvin was the person most responsible for the spread of Protestantism About 20 years younger than Luther Started in Geneva – a theocracy

Did not believe in free will Predestination The Calling – Protestant work ethic Spread to Scotland, France, England and America

ENGLISH REFORMATION

The King’s Great Matter English humanists had been wanting reform 1509 Henry VIII became the king aged 18 Henry was strongly Catholic and had been trained as a priest The pope gave him the title Defender of the Faith Luther called him a “lubberly ass”

Henry VIII Was given special permission from Pope Julius II to marry Catherine of Aragon, Catherine had been his brother’s wife

Catherine of Aragon Daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella Catholic She had five daughters, only Mary survived Henry asked Pope Clement VII to grant a divorce Pope says no

Denied an annulment of marriage Henry issued The Act in Restraint of Appeals (1533), which made the king supreme head of England The Act of Submission of the Clergy (1534), clergy must submit to the monarch The Supremacy Act, (1534) made the king head of the Church of England Separated Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church

Thomas More was appointed to a government office, but refused to support Henry’s policies. He was imprisoned and beheaded. Catherine still remained loyal to him and the Catholic faith. With the Catholic Church no longer in control of England, the king could now remarry

Anne Boleyn Maid of honor to Catherine 2nd wife and most famous wife Bore him a daughter –Elizabeth I In 1536, charged Anne of adultery Beheaded on May 19, 1536

Jane Seymour Third wife Protestant Gave birth to a son –King Edward VI Died as a teen, only reigned for about 6 years

Henry dissolved the monastaries and kept the wealth Sold the land to his friends

Edward VI Only son of Henry His mother died of child bed fever Became king at nine Died from several sicknesses in 1553

Mary Tudor Became queen after Edward died Devoted Catholic Nicknamed “Bloody Mary” Married her cousin Philip II of Spain Very unpopular

Elizabeth I Became queen of England in 1558 Protestant, but tolerant One of the most well-known monarchs in English history Reigned over the Elizabethan Renaissance and patronized the arts (Shakespeare)

SCOTLAND Did not follow the English model Scottish nobles supported the Protestants and John Knox, a Protestant reformer Knox persuaded Parliament to end papal supremacy in Scotland Established the Presbyterian Church of Scotland

The Catholic Reformation Also known as the Counter-Reformation Began in 1517 in response to calls for reform Didn’t really have an affect until the 1540s Catholic Church wanted to persuade dissidents to return to the church

The Lateran Council (1512) had told Julius II to reform the church Popes resisted reform because they feared a loss of power and revenue Pope Paul III Council of Trent in 1545

New religious orders appeared, such as the Jesuits and Ursuline Order These orders emphasized strict Catholic dogma to lift up the spiritual condition of the clergy and laity The Jesuits (The Society of Jesus) was founded by Ignatius Loyola and emphasized education The Ursuline Order was only for women