1. The Protestant Reformation 1500-1650

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 that were said to reduce sinners’ time in purgatory

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, became convinced that this alone would not win God’s favor

7. 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
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. 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

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

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