Martin Luther & Protestantism Protestant Reformation

catholicism Main religion of EuropeMain religion of Europe Stressed that faith and good works were needed to gain personal salvationStressed that faith and good works were needed to gain personal salvation Relics Relics Indulgences Indulgences Penitence Penitence Sacraments Sacraments

Luther’s beliefs Monk and professor at University of Wittenberg in Germany, where he lectured on the BibleMonk and professor at University of Wittenberg in Germany, where he lectured on the Bible Through close study of Bible, came to different conclusion about salvationThrough close study of Bible, came to different conclusion about salvation Humans powerless to Almighty GodHumans powerless to Almighty God Humans could never do enough good works to earn salvationHumans could never do enough good works to earn salvation Justification by faith alone : only faith will save you Justification by faith alone : only faith will save you If you have strong faith, God will make you just and worthy of salvation because he is mercifulIf you have strong faith, God will make you just and worthy of salvation because he is merciful Bible is the only source of religious truthBible is the only source of religious truth

First stages of rebellion Upset by widespread selling of indulgencesUpset by widespread selling of indulgences Especially angered by Monk Johann Tetzel: “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs”Especially angered by Monk Johann Tetzel: “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs” Believed people were harming chances of salvation by buying indulgences and collecting relics.Believed people were harming chances of salvation by buying indulgences and collecting relics. Did not see himself as a “rebel”Did not see himself as a “rebel” Sent 95 theses to church superiors, printed and spread them throughout all parts of GermanySent 95 theses to church superiors, printed and spread them throughout all parts of Germany Verbally attacked abuses in selling of indulgencesVerbally attacked abuses in selling of indulgences Not taken seriously by Pope Leo X who said Luther was just “some drunken German who will amend his ways when he sobers up”Not taken seriously by Pope Leo X who said Luther was just “some drunken German who will amend his ways when he sobers up”

rebellion By 1520, had more definite break with Catholic ChurchBy 1520, had more definite break with Catholic Church Called on German princes to overthrow papacy (pope) in Germany and establish reformed ChurchCalled on German princes to overthrow papacy (pope) in Germany and establish reformed Church

Main Attacks Attacked system of sacramentsAttacked system of sacraments Said Baptism and Eucharist (Communion) were only necessary ones and the rest destroyed real meaning of GospelSaid Baptism and Eucharist (Communion) were only necessary ones and the rest destroyed real meaning of Gospel Attacked rule of celibacy for clergy; said they should be able to marryAttacked rule of celibacy for clergy; said they should be able to marry Attacked idea of performing good works and purchasing indulgences. Said faith alone would bring salvationAttacked idea of performing good works and purchasing indulgences. Said faith alone would bring salvation

Result Excommunicated in January 1521Excommunicated in January 1521 Summoned to imperial Diet of Worms (legislative assembly) by Charles VSummoned to imperial Diet of Worms (legislative assembly) by Charles V Unable to convince Luther to change his views, Charles V declared him an outlaw with the Edict of WormsUnable to convince Luther to change his views, Charles V declared him an outlaw with the Edict of Worms Works were to be burnedWorks were to be burned Supposed to be captured and delivered to Emperor, but Prince Frederick hid and protected himSupposed to be captured and delivered to Emperor, but Prince Frederick hid and protected him

On April 18, 1521 Martin Luther stood before the emperor & Princes in the city of worms and declared… “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason —I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other— my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.”“Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason —I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other— my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.” Huh? Translation please....???Huh? Translation please....???

But still… Luther’s teachings became a revolutionLuther’s teachings became a revolution Gained support of many German rulers and states in the Holy Roman EmpireGained support of many German rulers and states in the Holy Roman Empire Took control of Catholic churches in territory and formed state churches, which were supervised by governmentTook control of Catholic churches in territory and formed state churches, which were supervised by government New services to replace Catholic mass with gospel readings and songNew services to replace Catholic mass with gospel readings and song Luther’s doctrine came to be known as Lutheranism, the first of Protestant faithsLuther’s doctrine came to be known as Lutheranism, the first of Protestant faiths

Reformation & politics Fate of religious movement closely tied to political affairsFate of religious movement closely tied to political affairs Holy Roman Emperor Charles V wanted to keep empire under control of Hapsburg dynasty and unified under CatholicismHoly Roman Emperor Charles V wanted to keep empire under control of Hapsburg dynasty and unified under Catholicism Rivalry with France led to wars lasting more than 20 yearsRivalry with France led to wars lasting more than 20 years Opposition from Pope Clement VII who took sides with FrenchOpposition from Pope Clement VII who took sides with French Like Italy, Germany had many powerful, separated states (due to instability of Middle Ages) who supported Luther as a way to rebel against Charles VLike Italy, Germany had many powerful, separated states (due to instability of Middle Ages) who supported Luther as a way to rebel against Charles V

Peace of augsburg By the time Charles V was able to bring military forces to Germany, Lutheran princes we well-organized, and he had no choice but to seek peaceBy the time Charles V was able to bring military forces to Germany, Lutheran princes we well-organized, and he had no choice but to seek peace Signed Peace of Augsburg in 1555 to end religious warfareSigned Peace of Augsburg in 1555 to end religious warfare Accepted division of Christianity in GermanyAccepted division of Christianity in Germany German states could choose between Catholicism and LutheranismGerman states could choose between Catholicism and Lutheranism Lutheran states had same legal rights as Catholic statesLutheran states had same legal rights as Catholic states *did NOT recognize religious toleration for individuals (subjects could not choose/practice their own religions)*did NOT recognize religious toleration for individuals (subjects could not choose/practice their own religions)

Ponder this… 1.Think of someone typically considered a “rebel”. How are they similar to Martin Luther? How are they different? 2.How was Martin Luther in a unique position to lead a rebellion? 3.How do you see his form of rebellion play a role in today’s society?