1. Background to the Reformation
Middle Ages
1400 – 1650

2. Europe in Turmoil.
Christian Church had once been the stable centre of European life – it now began to falter.
Relationships between Pope and the Kings of Europe changed – kings now wanted to control the Pope. e.g.

3. Papal Theory
God
Pope
Emperor

4. Imperial Theory
God
Pope Emperor

5. Selling of indulgences.
The Black Death – 1347
towns were wiped out
many Priests died administering to the sick
shortage of priests
new priests poorly educated – selection was hasty and often ill-advised
hence the quality of priesthood declined.

6. Battles over papacy raged – two people claiming to be Pope.
Italy was torn apart by wars and inquisition.
Problems with clergy:
concubinage
pluralism
nepotism.
Taxation in church – modelled on the feudal system.

7. Causes of the Reformation

8. Abuses occurring in the Catholic Church
Clerical exemptions from civil law.
Corrupt and uneducated clergy.
Rivalry between religious orders.

9. Spirituality
For some, the Protestant Reformation was a quest for a new spirituality.

10. Money
Taxation to support the papacy and clerics was excessive and often corrupt.

11. Papacy
There were corrupt Popes.

12. Power of Kings
Conflict between religious and state leaders. Kings had the power to appoint the higher clergy who become the King’s men in Church robes.

13. New learning
Bible was translated into Greek, making it more accessible to the people.
The printing press made it even more accessible, reducing the dependence on the clergy for the Christian message.