Lutheranism

The start…  Lutheranism, a branch of Christianity, was established by Martin Luther.  In response to corruption within the European Church, Luther compiled a list of objections.  He posted his 95 theses at Wittenberg Church on October 31st, 1517 only to make corrections, but sparked a movement that would later be known as the Reformation.

Results  Since the Church was unwilling to change it’s position, Luther broke away.  He was excommunicated at the Diet of Worms on May 26,  These are the founding dates of Lutheranism.

Lutheranism spreads  Starting in Germany, Luther’s theology spread to the of countries Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and throughout the Baltic by the 1650’s.

Theology: Salvation  Unlike the Church, Luther’s idea of salvation did not originate in good works only.  Instead, it was based on faith alone. No one could attain redemption by trying to please God. His gift of salvation was freely given to all who believe.  Along with this, those truly filled with faith would complete good works. As it says in James 2:26, “…faith apart from works is dead.”

Theology: Sacraments  Only Baptism(infants and adults) and the Eucharist (Communion) are Biblical; Penance(confessing sins) is practiced before the Eucharist in mass, and confessions are made before one's first Eucharist, but most sects of Lutheranism do not consider Penance to be a sacrament.

Services  Lutheran church services contain various practices including prayer, the singing of hymns, scripture reading, the sermon, communion, benedictions, and blessings.

Roles: Clergy and Laity  The laity is called to live a life of faith as well as good works. They are to embrace the gifts God has given them and use these for His work. The laity is also encouraged to attend regular church services, spend time in the Word and in prayer.  The clergy are trained to lead services and perform the sacraments. They also watch over the spiritual well-being and growth of their congregation.

World Impact  Today, Lutheranism is practiced a majority of the continents.  At that time, it sparked a want for national and political freedom as well as religious (Peasant revolt).  It’s founding led to religious reforms and laws made by rulers and theologians.  Caused the Reformation which would lead to religious wars and the Counter-Reformation of the Catholic church.

Philip’s Issue with the Netherlands

The Reasons he wanted to Keep it  The areas within the Spanish Netherlands was considered the most wealthy of all the sections of Spanish territory.

Reasons the Netherlands Wanted to Separate  Some of the leaders of the Estates General saw Philip as damaging to the country  The spread of Calvinism led them to be wary of Philip  Philip was too concerned with other things to really pay attention to discontent in the Netherlands

Reasons the Netherlands Wanted to Separate (cont.)  Philip said, “I would rather lost the Low Countries than reign over them if they ceased to be catholic,” which angered them  They did not want to be a part of the wars Spain was in

Problems that Arose  The growth of Calvinism hit the poorer districts and quickly spread into the entire Netherlands. Lesser nobles also joined into the growing new religion. Philip was of course a strict Catholic which set up the struggles that ensued.  Philip believed if he crushed Calvinism it would give him more power within the Netherlands

Cons and Pros  Pros – Spain was able to Gain some money for a time from the rich districts  Cons- the ensuing religious battle and establishing of Netherlands as a sovereign country put Spain on a downward spiral that left it in a shamble of its former self.

Effects  Spain lost its position as big power, and was no longer considered a worthy ally by the other powers  Calvinists split into two factions in Netherlands  Spain was left poor