1. Aim: Trace Martin Luther’s Role in the Movement to Reform the Catholic Church

2. Causes of the Reformation
By 10th Century, Roman Catholic Church had come to dominate religious life in Europe
Church had not won universal approval
People criticized its practices
1500- Additional forces weakened the Church
Renaissance emphasis on the secular and the individual challenged church authority
Printing Press spread secular ideas
Critics of the Church claimed that its leaders were corrupt
Popes patronized the arts
Spent extravagantly on personal pleasures
Popes were too busy to have time for spiritual duties 2

3. Martin Luther Challenges the Church
1517- Martin Luther (Teacher & Monk) took public stand against actions of Church
Raising money by selling Indulgences (Pardon)
Released sinners from penalty that priests imposed on sinners
Church gave impression that people could buy way into Heaven
Wrote 95 Theses
Formal statements attacking the Church
10/31/1517, posted statements to door of Castle Church in Wittenberg
Someone copied statements
Actions began the Reformation
Movement for religious reform 3

4. Luther’s Teachings Luther eventually wanted full reform of the Church
Teachings rested on 3 ideas:
1) People could win salvation only by faith in God’s gift of forgiveness
2) All Church teachings should be clearly based on the words of the Bible
3) All people with faith were equal. Therefore, people did not need priests to interpret the Bible for them 4