THEOLOGY

Protestant Reformation

A 16th century Reformation revolt and schism started by Martin Luther over corruption in the Catholic Church.

Protestantism

the general term for the many denominations of Christianity. All denominations reject papal authority and lack apostolic succession.

Martin Luther

An augustian monk in the town of Wittenberg (in modern day Germany). While he was originally faithful to the Catholic Church he was disillusioned by corruption in the Church.

Simony

The sin of selling religious offices of sacred things.

Indulgence

Selling of forgiveness by the Catholic Church. It was common practice when the church needed to raise money. The practice led to the Reformation.

Fifth Lateran Council

Ecumenical Council called by Pope Julius II in an attempt to change the corruption in the Church.

Edict of Worms

Holy Roman Emperor Charles V officially excommunicated Martin from the Church and banned all of his writing-1521.

Sola Scriptura

this is the belief that the Bible is the sole authority for Christianity

Transubstantiation

the changing of the bread and wine wine into the body and Blood of Jesus Christ

Justification

The transformation of a sinner from a state of unrighteousness to a state of holiness.

Sola Fide

By faith alone- the idea that salvation comes through belief

Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification

agreement between the Catholic Church and Lutheran communities in 1999 in which they agree that their teachings on Justification are essentially the same.

Ecumenism

The work of restoring unity among all Christians by bringing them back into the Catholic Church, which alone offers the fullness of the means in salvation.

Syncretism

this is the heresy that all religions share the same origin and the same end. The differences between religions only emerge because of different cultures, languages, and philosophical ideas.

Spiritual Ecumenism

an expression referring to the idea that prayer with non-Catholic Christians unites us in our worship of God.

Unitatis Redintegratio

the document released by the Catholic Church in the Second Vatican Council that addressed the reality of ecumenism in the 20th century.

Are indulgences inherently good or bad?

indulgences are not bad, but selling them is bad .

Historically speaking, what are the two key factors that made Martin Luther successful?

the printing press and his political support

When did Martin Luther post the 95 Theses?

October 31, 1517

What was his main criticism in the 95 Theses?

Selling indulgences is bad

What books did Martin Luther take out of the Bible to form his own version of the Bible?

He took out 7 books. tobit, judith, wisdom of solomon, sirach, baruch, and Maccabees I and II.

How many books are in a Catholic Bible?

73

How many books are in a Protestant Bible? (The one formed by Martin Luther)

66

What is the logical fallacy of Sola Scriptura?

The scripture was finalized by the church authority. Luther tried to separate the church's authority from scripture, but without the church's authority there is no scripture.

What was the Peasants' War?

They started a revolution to strive for an egalitarian society.

What two Sacraments are still celebrated today by most Christian denominations?

Baptism and communion

What is the Catholic belief on the Sacrifice of Jesus in the Mass?

It is the re-presentation of Jesus Sacrifice in every mass

Why does Martin Luther get rid of Papal Authority?

Because there is no direct mention of the pope in scripture.

What is the biggest theological difference between Catholics and Christian denominations?

beliefs on the Eucharist

What are the two main Christian faith traditions that differ from the Catholic Church?

Protestant ecclesiastical communities and eastern Orthodox

How should we practice faithful Catholic ecumenism?

Engaging in dialogue and building relationships with other Christian denominations while staying true to Catholic teachings.

What does the Catholic Church teach about those who were born into Christian communities separated from the Catholic Church?

It's not their fault and they should authentically seek Christ on their own journey