Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

These flashcards cover key concepts and figures related to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation, facilitating a deeper understanding of this significant period in religious history.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century initiated by figures like Martin Luther that resulted in a break from the Catholic Church and the founding of new Christian denominations.

Indulgence

A certificate granted by the Pope that allowed the purchaser to reduce time in purgatory for themselves or a loved one, often viewed as a way to pay for forgiveness of sins.

Sola Fide

The belief that faith alone, rather than good works, is the only means of salvation.

Simony

The practice of selling church offices or roles, contributing to corruption within the Church.

Purgatory

A state after death in which souls are purified before entering heaven, as believed by many Catholics at the time.

Martin Luther

A seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation who opposed the Catholic Church's practices and advocated for salvation through faith alone.

95 Theses

A list of propositions written by Martin Luther that criticized the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences.

John Calvin

A key figure in the Protestant Reformation who founded Calvinism and introduced the concept of predestination.

Predestination

The belief that God has predetermined who will be saved and who will not, a key tenet of Calvinism.

Bible as Authority

The belief promoted by Protestant reformers that the Bible is the sole authority for Christians, rather than church leaders or tradition.

Sacraments

Religious rites considered to convey divine grace; Martin Luther recognized only baptism and communion as valid sacraments, contrasting with the Catholic Church's seven.

Anabaptists

A radical Protestant group that advocated for adult baptism and complete separation of church and state, viewed as extreme by other Christian denominations.