Beginnings of the Reformation
John Wycliffe (circa ) English philosopher, theologian, and religious reformer -a forerunner of the Protestant Reformation translated the Bible into English
Wycliffe’s beliefs believed in a direct relationship between humanity and God -no need of priestly mediation believed Christians could govern themselves without the aid of popes and prelates
Additional beliefs of John Wycliffe denounced as unscriptural many beliefs and practices of the church held that the clergy should strive to imitate evangelical poverty disavowed serfdom and warfare
Jan Hus (circa ) Bohemian religious leader attempted to reform the Roman Catholic Church was accused of heresy by the Council of Constance
“In the truth of the Gospel which I have written, taught, and prospered, I die willingly and joyfully.” - Jan Hus
Hus was condemned by the council and burned at the stake.
“When dealing with heretics, one is not obligated to keep his word.” - the Pope
Savonarola, Girolamo ( ) Italian preacher and reformer zealously attempted to uproot corruption in the church was executed by hanging for heresy
Johann Tetzel (1465?-1519) Dominican friar entrusted by the Holy See with the proclamation of indulgences -proceeds were used to rebuild Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome
People could avoid punishment for their sins by buying indulgences.
“As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.” - Johann Tetzel
Ulrich Zwingli ( ) Swiss theologian leader of the Reformation in Switzerland
taught that devout Christians did not need a pope believed the adoration of saints and relics and church abuses of the indulgence system as unscriptural Zwingli’s teachings
Zwingli was wounded 10th October 1531 at Kappel am Albis while acting as chaplain and standard- bearer for the Protestant forces.
Martin Luther ( ) German theologian and religious reformer started the Protestant Reformation
Luther denounced the practice of granting indulgences.
Luther nailed his 95 Theses condemning the selling of indulgences to the door of the church at Wittenberg in October 1517.
Pope Leo X called Martin Luther a “wild boar.”
Luther was condemned by the Holy Roman emperor after refusing to recant his testimony. Charles V
“I cannot go against my conscience. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me.” - Martin Luther
Frederick III, the elector of Saxony, spirited Luther away and hid him at Wartburg Castle.
Luther’s Teachings
Luther said that “faith alone” in God’s mercy was one’s only hope for salvation.
Luther maintained that the Bible was the only guide for Christians.
Luther encouraged people to study God’s word themselves.
Other changes made by Luther included: simplified religious services and rituals allowed priests to marry
Impact of Luther’s Reforms many towns seized Church property and set up independent churches some German princes seized Church lands and stopped the flow of Church taxes to Rome
Peasants’ Revolt of 1524 An armed rebellion by peasants of southern Germany - protested efforts by nobles to increase their feudal dues demanded the right to choose their own priests wanted wood cutting and hunting rights in the lords’ forests
Marburg Colloquy
Holy Roman Emperor Charles V launched a military campaign in 1547 to force Lutheran princes back into the Roman Catholic Church -war resulted in a draw
Diet of Augsburg (1555) officially recognized the split within Christianity by allowing each German prince to choose whether their lands would be Roman Catholic or Lutheran
William Tyndale ( ) English religious reformer, and writer was strangled and burned at the stake for translating the Bible into English