1. The Protestant Reformation

2. Background to the Reformation
Catholic Church was weakened by scandal during late M.A.
Humanist scholars criticized what they saw as the “worldliness” of the Church
Popes fought long and costly wars that drained the Church’s treasury

5. More money was raised through the sale of indulgences
More money was raised through the viewing of religious relics

6. Martin Luther
Son of a wealthy German peasant who became a monk in 1505
Taught Bible studies at the University of Wittenberg in Germany
Tried to lead a holy life, but became convinced this alone would not earn him salvation

7. Martin Luther
Came to the realization that salvation was simply a free gift from God
Good works were a sign of salvation, but doing good works could not earn salvation
Began to criticize sale of indulgences

8. “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.”
John Tetzel

9. Claimed the Bible and a person’s own conscience outweighed the Pope’s authority
Wrote 95 Theses
Excommunicated by Pope Leo X in 1520
Called before the Imperial Diet of Worms to renounce his beliefs

10. “I cannot… go against my conscience. Here I stand
“I cannot… go against my conscience. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me.”
Martin Luther

11. The Impact of the Protestant Reformation

12. Luther’s Teachings 1. Christians were “saved by faith alone.”
2. The Bible was the ultimate religious authority.
3. Individuals could have a personal relationship with God

13. Impact
Protestantism founded (Lutherans, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, etc.)
100 yrs. of religious warfare in Europe
Freedom of religion
Criticism of all forms of hierarchy
Bible translated into common languages (like German)

14. The printing press:
It ended the monopoly social elites had on information.

15. Exit Ticket
Describe in your own words what the Protestant Reformation was protesting against, why and how. Consider Martin Luther’s theses in your answer.
3-5 sentences
Turn in for grade