The Protestant Reformation

A PROTEST against abuses in the Catholic Church and a REFORM movement intended to guide the Church back to it’s purpose

I. Europeans Before the 1400sA. Religion DOMINATES the mind of people in the middle ages

B. Most people are illiterate (3-5% can read)

C. Uneducated, believing in superstition and uninformed about the world

D. Fear of hell and damnation was a MAJOR concern of the people of Europe

II. Foundations for ReformA. Johann Gutenberg invents the printing press in 1450 makes books, especially the Bible, more widely available

- increased literacy over time- rapid spread of ideas

B. Renaissance thinkers emphasize critical thought

C. Humanist thinkers emphasize a focus on this present life rather than the afterlife

III. Causes of the ReformationA. Catholic Church interested in political power

Examples:1. The Crusades

2. The Spanish Inquisition – Attempt to stamp out incorrect belief systems by trial and torture

3. Many Popes tried to appoint kings and were often more powerful

B. Catholic Church interested in income ($)

1. Selling of church offices (simony)

2. Selling of holy relics- pieces of the cross- bones of saints

3. Selling of indulgences - Pardons from punishment for sin, even future sin and damnation to hell

IV. Martin Luther vs. The Catholic ChurchA. Pope Leo X sells indulgencesB. Martin Luther criticizes Leo X

1. 1517 Luther posts a list of 95 theses (criticisms of the church) on the Wittenburg Church door

2. Found church methods for overcoming sin inadequate

3. “Simple faith” could lead people to salvation

C. Word of Luther spreads1. Through means of mass

printing, Luther’s 95 theses AND his criticism of Leo X spreads rapidly

2. 1520 Luther openly disagrees with many church doctrines

a. Bible is sole religious authority

b. Priests have no special role in helping people to heaven

3. Luther excommunicated (exclusion from the rights of members of the Catholic Church) by Leo X – confirmation that he is “right”

4. Luther translates the Bible into German (first time) and copies are printed around Germany

V. Effects of the ReformationA. Peasants read Luther’s attack on the Catholic hierarchy and use it as a license to revolt against their earthly rulers

B. Many groups in Europe break away from the Catholic Church and start their own version of Christianity:- Lutherans - Church of England- Puritans - Baptists- Presbyterians - Quakers

VI. ConclusionA. 3 Main Causes of the Reformation

1. Church interested in political power

2. Church interested in income3. Martin Luther spreads critical

ideas and the actual bible to the common man

B. Many in Europe break away from the Catholic Church