Martin Luther and John Calvin: Key Figures in the Protestant Reformation

Martin Luther

German monk and key figure in the Protestant Reformation

Ninety-Five Theses

Luther's critique of the Roman Catholic Church, nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg

Sola Scriptura

Luther's emphasis on the primacy of the Bible as the sole authority for Christian doctrine

Sola Fide

Luther's belief in salvation through faith alone, rejecting good works and indulgences

Priesthood of All Believers

Luther's idea that all Christians have direct access to God, eliminating the need for an intermediary priesthood

Lutheranism

Branch of Protestantism associated with Martin Luther, emphasizing his teachings

John Calvin

French theologian and pastor, influential in Reformed theology and the Protestant Reformation

T.U.L.I.P.

Acronym for Calvin's beliefs: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints

Reformed Theology

Distinct theological framework of Calvinism, a significant branch of Protestantism

Church Governance

Calvin's emphasis on Presbyterian form of church governance, with elders and elected leaders

Impact on Education and Ethics

Calvinists' emphasis on education, work ethic, and vocation

Influence on Political Thought

Calvin's teachings on limited government and resistance to unjust rulers

Original Sin

Belief that babies inherit sin from Adam and Eve

Christ died only for the elect

Calvin's belief that Jesus' atonement is effective only for those chosen by God for salvation

Once saved, always saved

Calvin's belief that those chosen by God and with genuine faith cannot lose their salvation

Transubstantiation

Catholic belief that bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ

Consubstantiation

Lutheran belief that Christ is present alongside the bread and wine in the Eucharist

John Wycliffe

14th-century theologian who rejected Transubstantiation and translated the Bible into English

John Huss

14th-century theologian who denied the power of the Pope and advocated for only two sacraments

Ulrich Zwingli

16th-century theologian who attacked indulgences, the concept of the mass, and advocated for priests to be married

Reaction against the Church

Movement to clean abuses of the Church, reduce its authority, and simplify the religion

Bible as supreme authority

Belief that the Bible is the only true source of religious information

Effort

Strong emphasis on personal belief and striving in Calvinism