1. Do Now: 95 problems but the Pope ain't one!!!!!! Listen to the song What are some of the problems in the song, that the Church is facing? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt5AJr0wls0 Aim: How did the Protestant Reformation weaken and split the Catholic Church?

2. I. Problems in the Catholic Church most powerful institution in Europe during the Middle Ages 1400’s Church began to abuse its power Church sold indulgences to raise money to build churches and pay Renaissance artists An indulgence was a certificate that granted forgiveness of sins People bought indulgences for themselves and deceased relatives abuses caused resentment in Western Europe

3. II. Martin Luther German monk and priest Upset with the sale of indulgences October 31, 1517 95 Theses was placed on the Wittenberg Church This was a list of 95 problems of the Church the list was distributed by the printing press Luther challenged the Church’s authority Luther translated the Bible into German

4. II. Martin Luther Luther wanted people to interpret the Bible themselves The Bible is the true source of faith the Bible could help people achieve salvation and forgiveness he was excommunicated Luther was hidden and protected by a prince The Protestant Reformation had weakened the Catholic Church

5. Do Now: Questions Why was the Roman Catholic Church powerful during the Middle Ages? What were indulgences? Who was opposed to the sale of indulgences? Why was he opposed? What were the 95 Theses? What happened to Martin Luther? Why was the Protestant Reformation an end of Christian unity? How did the Protestant Reformation weaken and split the Catholic Church?

6. Activity In 1517 Martin Luther openly challenged the Catholic Church which up until this point was never a successful venture. Luther caused a rift in the Catholic religion that would never be repaired, but WHAT IF Luther was unable to continue preaching. WHAT IF the Catholic Church captured and executed him before his ideas spread, how would history be different? Explain in a 3-4 paragraph essay.