The RCC gave people a certain unity, a way of living together & a hope of salvation when one dies. During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church was the LARGEST LANDOWNER & EMPLOYER OF PEOPLE. Bishops, Abbots, Popes were among the richest & most powerful people. The RCC had power & wealth that did not make sense when it pushed Christ’s ideals of poverty equality & justice on common people.

What kind of car did Christ drive?

Early protesters to Church abuses were John Wycliffe(England) & John Hus(Bohemia), both were excommunicated & executed

The Pope’s dual role was -Head of the Roman Catholic Church -Bishop of Rome The pope was faced with a dilemma! How could he raise money to build the “Greatest Church in the World”?

The Answer Sell indulgences! Indulgence - Forgiveness of sins if= You show a contrite heart, Confessed, Accepted the punishment, Performed good works

Problem Solved! St. Peter’s Basilica is built.

The Monk who roared! Martin Luther was a Roman Catholic Monk, who in October of 1517, started one of the greatest reform movement in the Christian faith, by nailing his beliefs on the door of the Catholic Church in Wittenberg, Germany.

95 Theses: Attacked the selling of indulgences. Questioned the principle of the infallibility(unable to make mistakes or errors) of the Roman Catholic Church. Challenged pope’s authority as divine(God’s) authority.

The main source of conflict between Luther & the Church was whether or not faith alone could save people. Luther Faith in Christ is an essential quality in a good Christian. People with faith naturally do good. Church Faith can only be demonstrated by concrete actions, good works, or doing good deeds.

Martin Luther & his followers opened the door & other protesters (Protestants) would follow. In Switzerland, Calvinism began(the followers of John Calvin’s beliefs: Sole purpose in life is to honor God. God has already pre-determined who is going to heaven & who is going to hell.

Calvin felt that people should not Dance,play cards,drink, wear bright colors or swear.

OTHER PROTESTERS WORTH MENTIONING. French people who accepted Calvin’s beliefs were called Huguenots. John Knox introduced Calvinist principles in Scotland, would be known as Presbyterianism. Henry VIII of England in 1534, broke away from Rome, nationalized the Church in England, & became Head of the Church of England, as a result with the pope not willing to give Henry a divorce from his 1st wife. (Anglican/Episcopal)

It was in human values that these different Protestants made their greatest contributions. Here were some worth noting: Stressed the value of acting soberly.

Be willing to do without pleasure

Be modest in conduct & dress/

Be thrifty not wasteful.

Work hard to gain God’s favor.

Acquire material goods to prove God’s favor(blessings.)