THE REFORMATION
ITS CAUSES AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
CHRISTIANITY Eastern Orthodoxy Roman Catholicism Protestantism
The Reformation: The 16th century religious movement marked by the rejection or modification of some Roman Catholic doctrines and practices and the establishment of the Protestant churches
Counter Reformation: The 16 th century reform movement in the Roman Catholic Church that followed and responded to the challenges of the Protestant Reformation
The Reformation: THE CAUSES
POLITICAL CAUSES
Rise of the Nation- states brought National Monarchs into conflict with the old principle of religious supremacy
Many Monarchs now viewed the Pope as a foreign ruler and a rival for their power
The Papacy stood in the way of centralization and consolidation
ECONOMIC CAUSES
Monarchs were jealous of the great wealth and lands of the Church
Secular rulers wanted to keep wealth in their local areas
Religious rules and restrictions inhibited economic growth
The growing Middle Class sought approval for its accumulation of wealth
SOCIAL CAUSES
The Middle Class wanted its new status based on wealth recognized
The Middle Class wanted to be reassured of its place in heaven
The peasants wanted greater social significance
INTELLECTUAL CAUSES
The Renaissance brought the values of Humanism, Individualism, Secularism, and Rationalism
Individualism and Humanism: People wanted a more personal relationship with God
Rationalism and Humanism encouraged a questioning attitude and challenge to authority
Secularism increased Nationalistic attitudes
RELIGIOUS CAUSES
Church prestige declined in the pre- Renaissance period
The Papacy had grown worldly and corrupt
Nepotism, Simony, Pluralism, Absenteeism, Ignorance, and Immorality brought criticism
The sale of Indulgences was highly criticized
Past attempts at reform within the Church had largely failed
TECHNOLOGICAL CAUSE
New ideas spread rapidly with the printing press
RESULTS, EFFECTS, CONSEQUENCES and/or IMPACT
The Loss of Religious Unity in Europe
Nation-states aligned: Catholic vs. Protestant
VIOLENCE OVER RELIGION RAGED,
Religion ceased to be a major cause for warfare in Europe after 1650
Secularism increased in all areas of life
The Power of National Monarchs (Secular Rulers) increased
Influence of the Church and religion in people’s lives began to decrease
Nationalism became more important to the common people
Nations re-aligned along the lines of National Interest
National interest became the new motivation for warfare
Politiques or “political monarchs” valued national unity and power over religious uniformity
Many rulers became religiously tolerant to keep religious peace
The Reformation increased the influence of Individualism
Protestantism Encouraged the Rise of Democracy
The Reformation increased Education and Literacy
The scientific method was born and grew in influence
Materialism increased: The Reformation helped cause the growth of capitalism
The Middle Class continued to grow in numbers and influence
Europe moved toward Religious Toleration SLOWLY!
THE END