By Mrs. Hoff
Christianity CatholicOrthodoxProtestant Christianity Breakdown
The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century split within Western Christianity initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other early Protestants. These reformers were “protesting” certain practices of the Church; therefore, their followers are called “Protestants”. What was the Reformation?
The spread of Renaissance ideas, such as individualism. Claims of corruption among the clergy undermined the Church’s authority. Plague had weakened the Church’s authority. Criticism of church practices by earlier religious leaders. People wanted their beliefs to be more personal, to read the Bible for themselves and have more control over their salvation. Causes of the Reformation
Martin Luther, a German monk, protested the sale of indulgences, how one received salvation, teachings that didn’t come from the Bible, and the interpretation of communion, among others. He posted his 95 Theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg, hoping to spark discussion and reform. Luther begins to teach his views on salvation and his own interpretation of the Bible to others. The breakup of the churches is called a schism. Luther Challenges the Church
The Pope excommunicates Luther. The Holy Roman emperor declares Luther a heretic and outlaw. Luther’s followers grow; other kingdoms and principalities adopt his teachings. Sparks a peasant revolt in 1524 and religious wars within present-day Germany. The Response to Luther
John Calvin creates his own system of Protestant theology which spreads quickly. The city of Geneva becomes a theocracy based on his teachings. Scottish, Swiss, Dutch, and French reformers adopt Calvinist doctrine, which leads to many more religious wars. Calvin Begins another Protestant Church
The pope refuses to annul King Henry VIII’s marriage. Henry resolves the problem by asking Parliament to end the pope’s power in England. Parliament passes an act making the English King, not the pope, the head of the Church of England. Clashes over religious reform grow when Henry’s heirs take the throne. England becomes Protestant
Stimulated the education of women Promoted literacy for the masses – printing press Justified independence from the church for both the aristocracy and the common people. Religious wars throughout Europe. Caused the Counter-Reformation. Effects of the Protestant Reformation
ProtestantCatholic Pope is not the authority of the church Pope is the authority of the church Salvation is by faith aloneFaith and good works needed for salvation Bible is the source for teachingsBible and other church teachings are the basis for teachings Individuals interpret the BiblePriest and Pope interpret the Bible Communion – Jesus’ presenceCommunion – Jesus’ body Protestantism vs. Catholicism
Catholic Church wanted to reform and stop the spread of Protestantism. Catholic Reformation
Eliminate the abuse of power Rebirth of faith among followers Reassess the Church’s beliefs Restore the authority of the pope Halt the spread of Protestantism Catholic Reformation Goals:
Inquisition: Get rid of non-Catholics Restore the pope’s authority Curtail Humanist thinking – created the first banned book list in the West Catholic Reformation Methods:
Council of Trent: Clearly defined Church doctrine, made it uniform for all Catholics Forbids the sale of indulgences, sets up clergy behavior, makes the rituals of the Church uniform. Catholic Reformation Methods:
Strengthens the church, helps them regain some members. Encourages the missionary spirit of the church to foreign countries. Doesn’t stop the spread of Protestantism. Results:
Protestant belief is strong The printing press is cranking out Protestant ideas, so they are spreading far and wide. Became the state religion in many areas because it benefits the rulers of that area (able to seize Catholic lands, don’t have to pay taxes to the church, don’t have to listen to the pope). For common people, it’s a form of protest against authority (the nobility and the Pope). Why doesn’t it stop the spread of Protestantism?