1. A 16th Century Revolution
The Reformation
A 16th Century Revolution
Stearns, Chapter 17, pp

2. Problems of the Roman Catholic Church by the 16th century:
1. Lay investiture
2. Simony
Sale of indulgences
Tetzel
4. Spiritual quality of church leaders
and nepotism

3. 5. Rising use of vernacular and printing
Vernacular: the commonly used language
Emerging vernacular languages were those
such as
English
German
French
Italian
Spanish

4. 6. The rise of the beliefs of Christian humanism, that
humans could use reason
to improve themselves.
The best known Christian humanist was Desiderius Erasmus.

5. Church practices which led to challenges:
1. Latin as the exclusive church language
2. The Inquisition’s search for heretics
3. The exclusive role of the church through the use of sacraments, saints and relics for salvation.
4. The use of interdict against kings and states

6. Sacraments such as baptism,
confirmation, the Lord’s Supper
and extreme unction were seen
as a means for receiving God’s
grace and were necessary for a
Christian’s salvation. Therefore,
the clergy were seen to have a
key role in the attainment of
salvation.

7. Early Resistance to church practices
John Wycliff
John Hus
Erasmus (following
slide)
Sir Thomas More
(wrote UTOPIA)
Reformation Era Popes
Alexander VI, Julius II, Leo X

8. Desiderius Erasmus
1512 In Praise of Folly was a satire about elements within society which he thought needed reform. He was particularly
harsh on the abuses in
the church and was
particularly concerned about monks
“Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched.”

9. Martin Luther a monk who taught at the University of Wittenberg
Ninety Five Theses-1517
Thousands of copies of his
theses were copied and
distributed, causing notice
from Pope Leo X and
Charles V [ Holy Roman
Emperor].

10. DIET OF WORMS!!!!
1521—Charles V calls Imperial Diet—Luther is expected to recant but refuses

11. Martin Luther’s Teachings:
Both faith and good works are necessary
if a Christian is to gain personal salvation.
Humans are saved through faith in the
promises of God.
Doctrine of “justification by faith” or “salvation by faith alone”
Martin Luther Burns
the Papal Bull at
Wittenberg

12. The Bible was seen as the chief guide to religious truth
The Bible was seen as the chief guide to religious truth. Luther eventually translated the Bible into German so that all people could read the scriptures.
Luther’s 2nd translation
of the Bible
1662 Nuremberg Bible

13. Results of Martin Luther’s defiance of the Pope and Charles V:
1. Charles V ordered the burning of all of Martin Luther’s books.
2. The pope excommunicated Luther.
3. Numerous rulers within the Holy Roman states supported Martin Luther and fought against Charles V including Frederick of Saxony.

14. 4. Eventually churches emerged in these states which will be Lutheran churches.
Peace of Augsburg Charles V agreed to let the German rulers choose the church for their state. Religion of the ruler became the religion for the state.

16. Reformation in Switzerland
John Calvin, exiled from France for following the growing number of Protestants.
Institutes of the Christian Religion--1536
Established a reform government in Geneva, Switzerland. Calvinist principles controlled the governing of the city.
Followers came from throughout Europe to
study and return home with Calvinist concepts

17. 1. Bible only source of Christian doctrine
Calvinist Principles
1. Bible only source of Christian doctrine
2. Baptism and Communion-only sacraments
3. Predestination--doctrine of the “elect” which expressed the belief that the chosen of God were determined only through divine grace. This reflected the all powerful role of God.
4. Rejection of the wealth of the Catholic
church led to a strong demand for plain
expression of faith and living
France--Huguenots England--Puritans

18. Reformation in England
A different Protestant movement where the break with the Catholic
Church precedes a change in theological differences.
HENRY VIII: NEEDS A SON!!!
(Tudor family)

19. Henry asks for a divorce after twenty years of marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
He petitions Pope Clement VII who refuses to grant the divorce.
Catherine is the aunt of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V

20. How did Henry VIII respond to the Pope’s refusal to allow him to divorce?
1. Appointed new Archbishop of Canterbury
2. Parliament passes Act of Supremacy
1534-King the supreme head of church
3. Oath of Supremacy must be taken by all
subjects

22. Results in England
1. Monastery lands were confiscated and given to loyal aristocrats.
Edward VI, son of Jane Seymour became king at age ten. He reigns for six years.
3. Sir Thomas More [author of
Utopia resisted, jailed, executed]

23. The Counter Reformation
What was the response of the Catholic
Church to the Protestant challenge?
The Counter Reformation

24. Official response of RCC was slow
Ignatius de Loyola- began group dedicated to pope
The Jesuits
(Society of Jesus)
“soldiers for Christ”
Vows of poverty and spreading of faith in North and South America

25. THE COUNCIL OF TRENT (1545-63)
Series of meetings to clearly define the
doctrines of Catholicism, not to make
compromises with Protestantism.
REFORMS:
Simony, nepotism, indulgences and luxurious living rejected
Index of Prohibited Literature.
Established seminary schools for training of priests.

26. Effects of the Reformation
1. Destroyed the medieval political unity
of Europe and fostered the spirit of
modern “nationalism.”
2. Strengthened the authority of the state
over its people.
3. Revived interest in religion--but based on
authority--the Bible for Protestants,
the Church for Catholicism.

27. 4. Contributed to the rise of the middle
class.
5. Economically contributed to the rise
of capitalism--made making interest
(previously known as the sin of usury)
and the investment of capital
respectable (especially Calvin).
6. Led to terrible religious wars.
7. Was reflected in the struggles of the
European nations in the contest for
areas of the “New World.”