5.4 Protestant Reformation

Protestant Reformation

A religious and political movement in the 16th century that led to the creation of Protestant churches, breaking away from the Catholic Church.

Martin Luther

A German monk and theologian who initiated the Protestant Reformation in 1517 by posting his 95 Theses, which criticized Church practices like the sale of indulgences.

Primary Sources

95 Theses; Two Preachings: Evangelical vs. Papal: Luther's 95 Theses were a list of grievances against the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences.

Justification by Faith

A central tenet of Protestant theology, particularly in Lutheranism, which holds that salvation is achieved through faith in God, rather than through good works or the intercession of the Church.

Pope Leo X

The pope during the early years of the Protestant Reformation, he was one of the main opponents of Martin Luther and excommunicated him from the Catholic Church.

Charles V

The Holy Roman Emperor during the Reformation who tried to suppress Protestantism through military and political means, but ultimately could not halt its spread.

Philip II

King of Spain and a staunch defender of Catholicism who waged wars against Protestant powers, including the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Henry IV of Navarre

A French king who converted to Catholicism to gain political power, famously stating 'Paris is worth a mass.' His conversion helped to end the French Wars of Religion.

John Calvin and Calvinism

A key figure in the Reformation who developed a branch of Protestantism focused on the sovereignty of God, predestination, and the authority of scripture.

Peace of Augsburg

A 1555 agreement that allowed each German prince to choose whether their territory would be Catholic or Protestant.

Edict of Nantes

A 1598 decree by Henry IV of France that granted religious freedom to Protestants in France, helping to end the French Wars of Religion.

Causes: Church Corruption

Many clerics, including Popes, were seen as corrupt, with practices like the sale of indulgences and political nepotism, prompting calls for reform.