Crawford, Julie - "Protestant Reform and the Fashion Monster" in Marvelous Protestantism (2005)

Protestant Reform

A religious movement aiming to reform the practices and beliefs of the Catholic Church in 16th century Europe, leading to the establishment of various Protestant denominations.

Monstrous Births

Births that result in deformed or abnormal offspring, often interpreted as signs of divine disapproval or a critique of societal behaviors.

Luther's Pamphlet

A pamphlet published by Martin Luther in 1523 that used illustrations of monstrous births as propaganda against the Catholic Church.

The Monk Calf

A legendary deformed calf born as a critique of monasticism and Catholic practices, symbolizing the failures of religious institutions.

Fashion Monsters

Deformed beings born during the Reformation era that reflected societal concerns about excessive fashion and materialism, often serving as moral warnings.

Elizabethan Religious Settlement

The series of laws and doctrines established under Queen Elizabeth I that aimed to unify England after the religious turmoil of the Reformation.

Vestiarian Controversy

Debates in the 16th century regarding appropriate church vestments, focusing on their religious significance versus their secular implications.

Transnaturing Power of Clothing

The belief that clothing can influence one’s identity and social standing, and the capacity of garments to convey divine judgment or societal norms.

Superstitious Beliefs

Traditional beliefs that ascribe supernatural powers or significance to objects or rituals, often critiqued by early Protestants.

Memento Mori

A reminder of human mortality, often depicted in literature and art to encourage reflection on one’s life and eventual death.

Preaching Through Monsters

The use of stories about monstrous births as a form of moral instruction or religious admonition during the Protestant Reformation.

Discredited Catholic Beliefs

Beliefs held by Catholics that were rejected by Protestant reformers, often relating to the efficacy of rituals, vestments, and material objects.

Reformation

A historical period in the 16th century where attempts to reform the Catholic Church led to the emergence of Protestantism.

Martin Luther

A key figure in the Reformation who challenged the Catholic Church's practices and initiated reforms through his writings and actions.

95 Theses

A list of propositions written by Martin Luther in 1517 condemning corrupt practices of the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences.

Indulgence

A remission of the temporal punishment due for sins after absolution, often sold by the Catholic Church, sparking controversy during the Reformation.

Protestant Denominations

Religious groups that broke away from the Catholic Church during the Reformation, including Lutherans, Calvinists, and Anglicans.

Theocracy

A system of governance in which priests rule in the name of God, often seen in some Protestant communities during the Reformation.

Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church's response to the Reformation that aimed to reform the church and combat Protestantism through internal changes and external actions.

Council of Trent

An ecumenical council held between 1545 and 1563 that addressed reforms in the Catholic Church and clarified Catholic doctrines.

Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura)

A key principle of Protestant Reformers stating that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.

Grace Alone (Sola Gratia)

A principle emphasizing that salvation comes solely through God's grace, rather than human efforts.

Faith Alone (Sola Fide)

The belief that faith in Jesus Christ is the only means of obtaining salvation.