Luther and the German Reformation

Vocabulary flashcards on Luther and the German Reformation, c1515-55

Holy Roman Empire

A confederation of states in central Europe that existed from the Middle Ages until its dissolution in 1806.

Electors

A group of seven powerful officials within the Holy Roman Empire who had the responsibility of electing the emperor.

Charles V

Elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1519, sought to centralize imperial authority, facing opposition from princes who wanted autonomy.

Anticlericalism

Opposition to the clergy, often due to perceived corruption or abuse of power.

Humanism

Intellectual movement emphasizing classical learning, critical thinking, and individual conscience, influencing religious scholarship.

Indulgences

Certificates sold by the Catholic Church, promising forgiveness of sins and release from purgatory.

Johann Tetzel

Indulgence preacher known for persuasive sermons, criticized by Martin Luther for claiming indulgences absolved sins without repentance.

Ninety-Five Theses

List of propositions written by Martin Luther in 1517, challenging the sale of indulgences and sparking the Reformation.

Printing Press

A device that enabled the mass production of texts.

Albert of Mainz

Archbishop to whom Luther protested the sale of indulgences in 1517.

Leo X

Pope who initially responded to Luther's Ninety-Five Theses with a papal bull condemning his ideas.

Cajetan

Cardinal who debated Luther in 1518, arguing for the Church's authority to grant indulgences.

Justification by Faith

Luther's belief that salvation is a gift of God's grace received through faith, not earned through good works.

Excommunication

Formal exclusion from the Catholic Church and its sacraments.