1. Bellringer Download today’s notes: Background of the Reformation Notes
Answer the following questions:
How do you think classical learning and an emphasis on the individual might have led people to become critical of the Roman Catholic Church?
What does the word “reform” mean?

2. Essential Question
What conditions can encourage the desire for reform?

3. Overview
The humanist ideas of the Renaissance, in addition to the perceived worldly and corrupt practices in the Catholic Church, gave rise to a widespread call for Church reform. The Protestant faith that resulted gave new directions to European history and culture by fragmenting western Christianity and reshaping political power.

4. Christian Humanism
Italian Renaissance humanism spread to northern Europe
Became Christian Humanism
Still focused on classical learning and the individual
Major goal: Reform the Catholic church
Believed that humans could improve themselves through reason
Best-known Christian Humanist was Desiderius Erasmus
Catholic priest openly critical of the excesses and abuses of the Church
Wanted the church to show people how to live good lives on a daily basis, not just focus on eternity
Needed a return to simpler times
Focus on internal feelings, not external practices

5. Portrait of Erasmus South reform within the “Erasmus laid the egg
Catholic Church
“Erasmus laid the egg
that Luther hatched.”

6. Need for Reform
Ordinary people, humanists, and some Church leaders were critical of the church at this time.

7. Need for Reform

8. Need for Reform

9. What is corruption?
Can you think of examples of corruption in today’s world?

10. Review!
1. How did the Renaissance contribute to setting the stage for the Reformation?
2. Why, according to Erasmus, other Christian humanists, and other critics, did the Church need reform?

11. Activity!
Log in to your textbook, and open the worksheet “Selling Indulgences” on the left side in blue.

12. Homework Map Test Thursday! Current event Friday!
Quiz (Ch. 3, Les. 1) Friday!