1. R ELIGION ON THE E VE OF THE P ROTESTANT R EFORMATION Guided Notes

2. W HY C HANGE ? People were calling for reform in part because of corruption in the Catholic Church. Between 1450 and 1520 a series of popes failed to meet the Church’s spiritual needs. They were more concerned with the political interests of the Papal States.

3. J ULIUS II Julius II, the “warrior-pope,” even led armies against his enemies. Many people were disgusted with him and the Catholic Church.

4. S ALVATION Many Church officials were also concerned with money and used their offices to advance their careers and wealth, and many local priests seemed ignorant of their spiritual duties, especially instructing people on how to achieve salvation (acceptance into heaven).

5. S ALVATION As a result, obtaining salvation became almost mechanical, for example by collecting relics (ancient religious object). Venerating (worshipping) a saint could gain an indulgence (release from punishment of sin) – according to the Church of the time.

6. C HANGE IS C OMING …. Some people sought salvation in the popular mystical movement called the Modern Devotion, which stressed the need to follow the teaching of Jesus, not Church dogma (church beliefs). Most people found the Church unconcerned with their spiritual needs.

7. Q UESTION OF THE DAY …. Why might Christians have been so disgusted with Pope Julius II?

8. A NSWER OF THE DAY ….. They believed that it was unholy for a Christian spiritual leader to be a military commander.