1. 5.6 Reformation and Counter-Reformation
Change and Political Reform

2. Context: Religion in the 16th Century
Roman Catholicism had been the predominant religion in Europe since the 4th century (other types of Christianity in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia).
Catholic Church was so important because: 1. Looked after Christians’ most prized possession: their eternal souls 2. Priests played a key role in people’s lives (baptism, marriage, confession, last rites) 3. Provided social services (ran orphanages, gave alms to the poor, provided education) 4. Only communication channel with God 5. Catholic Church owned ⅓ of the land in Europe
Pope had authority over all the kings of Europe.

3. Why was the Reformation so important?
The Protestant Reformation broke “Western Christendom” - it caused the collapse of religious unity in Europe.
In response, the Catholic Church launched the Counter-Reformation.
Changed people’s ways of looking at themselves and the world
Led to wider European literacy
(Eventually) forced governments to grant religious freedoms
Therefore… both a political and a religious revolution.

4. The Causes of the Reformation
Disdain for the papacy and clergy
Catholic Church was too powerful (influence and wealth)
The clergy failed to set a moral example
The abuses of the Church
Nepotism (favouritism)
Nicolaism (common-law marriage)
Simony (selling ecclesiastical posts)
Sale of Indulgences
Pope Leo X
(L: future Pope Clement VII)

6. Protestant Reformations and their Reformers
Martin Luther
John Calvin
King Henry VIII

7. The Lutheran Reformation
Beginning of the Protestant faith and religious Reformation
German monk, Martin Luther ( ), openly rejected the abuses of the Catholic Church - particularly the sale of indulgences by Pope Leo X to fund Vatican reformations.
Publicly displayed his ‘95 Theses’, which criticised these kind of abuses
Pope Leo X condemned his work and excommunicated Luther from the Catholic Church
Translated the Bible from Latin into German
Lutheranism is based on justification by faith (‘sola fide’) and a free interpretation of the Bible.
Rejects papal infallibility (the Pope can be wrong, he is not God)
Accepts Baptism and Eucharist
No worshipping Virgin Mary and the Saints
Simplified the liturgy (fewer levels of clergy and no need for expensive goods)
The Diet of Worms (1521)

8. The Anglican Reformation
Anglicanism and its doctrine emerged in England.
King Henry VIII declared himself Head of the Church of England and broke ties with the Catholic Church
→ After the Pope rejected H8’s request to divorce Catherine of Aragon
Dissolution of monasteries
Led England into a century of a “religious rollercoaster”
Anglicanism is based on three principles: scripture (Bible), reason, and tradition.
No need to worship saints or undertake pilgrimages
Clergymen are allowed to marry
Service is held in common English for people’s understanding
No use of images in churches
No need for clergymen to lead luxurious lives

9. The Calvinist Reformation
John Calvin ( ) was the founder of the Calvinist Reformation
Based on belief of predestination ( God decides whether we are saved or condemned) → And we cannot change our fate through confession or indulgences
Popular amongst bourgeoisie of Netherlands, Switzerland, Scotland and France
Different names: Huguenots (France), Puritans (Scotland/ England)
Revolts between the Catholics and the Huguenots in France ( )

10. The Catholic Counter-Reformation
Response to the overwhelming influence and spread of Protestant Reformations in Europe

11. The Council of Trent (1545-1563)
Created by Pope Paul III to define and outline Catholic doctrine.
Tried to purify clergy and set out rules ( to reduce popular disdain).
Key points disseminated by catechism:
Salvation through good deeds
Only Church interpret Bible
Pope was infallible
Seven deadly sins
Worship Virgin Mary and Saints

12. The Society of Jesus (1540) Founded by St Ignatius of Loyola in 1540.
Important source of support for the Counter-Reformation.
Jesuits had to swear a special vow of obedience to the Pope.
Received theological training and dedicated themselves to preaching + education.

13. Wars of Religion ( )
France: Catholics vs. Huguenots ( )
German Empire: Peasants’ War ( ) and Schmalkaldic War ( )
Netherlands: Eighty Years’ War ( )
England: English Civil War ( )