The Protestant Reformation Chapter 14 Section Three

Abuses in the Church Popes competed for political power. Popes lived lavish lifestyles. The Church increased fees for baptisms and marriages to finance the beautification of churches. Promoted the sale of indulgences. The lessening of the time a soul would have to spend in purgatory. In the Middle Ages, the Church would grant indulgences for good deeds (ie., going on a crusade). By the late 1400’s indulgences could be bought with money gifts to the Church.

Martin Luther’s Protest German monk and professor of theology. 1517- drew up 95 Theses (arguments) against indulgences. He argued that: indulgences had no basis in the Bible. the pope had no authority to release souls from purgatory. Christians could only be saved through faith. He posted the 95 Theses on the door of Wittenberg’s All Saints Church.

Luther vs. the Church Copies of Luther’s 95 Theses were printed and distributed across Europe. The Church wanted Luther to recant; he refused. Luther began urging Christians to reject the authority of Rome and called upon secular authorities to reform the Church. 1521 – The pope excommunicated Luther. H.R.E. Charles V ordered Luther to give up his writings, but he refused. Charles declared Luther an outlaw. Luther went into hiding in the castle of a German prince. Throughout Germany he was hailed a hero. His teachings were accepted and people renounced the authority of the pope.

Luther’s Teachings Rejected Church doctrine that good deeds were necessary for salvation. Salvation was achieved through faith alone. The Bible was the sole source of religious truth; not the Church. Rejected the idea that the priests and other clergy had special powers. All Christians had access to God through faith and the Bible. Luther translated the Bible into German so that ordinary people could study it. Believed that all towns should have a school in which both boys and girls could learn to read the Bible.

Luther’s Teachings Called for reforms within the Church. Rejected certain sacraments because the Bible doesn’t mention them. He banned indulgences, confession, pilgrimages and prayers to saints. He simplified mass and emphasized the sermon. He permitted the clergy to marry. These changes were all adopted by the Lutheran Churches set up by Luther’s followers.

The Spread of Luther’s Ideas Printing presses spread Luther’s ideas. 1530 – Lutherans began using the name Protestant. They were protesting papal authority. Many clergy saw Luther’s reforms as the answer to corruption within the Church. German princes saw Lutheranism as a way to rebel against the Church and the H.R.E. Others supported Luther because of nationalism. Tired of giving money to support Italian churches and clergy.

The Peasants’ Revolt Many peasants sided with Luther. Hoped to gain his support for social and economic change. 1524 – revolts erupted across Germany. Peasants demanded an end to serfdom and other changes. Luther favored social order and respect for political authority. Luther denounced the violence and allowed the nobles to put down the revolt. Tens of thousands were killed and thousands were left homeless.

The Peace of Augsburg 1530’s and 1540’s – H.R.E. Charles V tried to force Lutheran princes back into the Catholic Church. After a few wars, a settlement was reached. Peace of Augsburg was signed in 1555. Allowed each prince to decide the religion of his land. Most northern German states chose Lutheranism. The south remained largely Catholic.

John Calvin 1536 - French reformer. Agreed with Martin Luther: salvation was gained through faith alone. the Bible was the sole source of religious truth. Also had his own ideas: He preached predestination. Believed the world was divided into saints and sinners. Calvinists tried to live like saints. Thought that only those who were saved could live truly Christian lives.

Calvin’s Geneva (Switzerland) 1541 – Protestants in Geneva asked Calvin to lead their community. Calvin set up a theocracy. Government run by church leaders. Calvinism stressed hard work, discipline, thrift, honesty, and morality. Fines or punishment were dealt to people for fighting, swearing, laughing in church or dancing. Calvin believed in religious education for both boys and girls.

Spread of Calvinism Late 1500’s Calvinism had spread to Germany, France, the Netherlands, England and Scotland. Led to bloody religious wars. In Germany – faced opposition from both Protestants and Catholics. In France – wars between French Calvinists (Huguenots) and Catholics. Scotland – Calvinist preacher, John Knox, led a religious rebellion. Scottish Protestants overthrew their Catholic queen and set up the Scottish Presbyterian Church.