Renaissance, Humanism, and the Reformation

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on the Renaissance, humanism, and the beginnings of the Reformation.

What did the early sixteenth century thinkers believe needed to be cleaned up within the institutional church?

They believed in addressing corrupt practices that were still occurring.

Who was Erasmus of Rotterdam and what did he support?

Erasmus was a proponent of Christian humanism, supporting the study of texts in their original languages to eliminate errors.

What was the significance of the Bible in the context of humanism and Christianity?

The Bible, particularly the New Testament and Old Testament, served as the foundational text for Christian humanists who aimed to read it in its original languages.

What languages did Erasmus suggest individuals learn to study the Bible?

Erasmus suggested that individuals should learn Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

What was Martin Luther's main criticism of the Catholic Church?

Luther criticized the sale of indulgences, viewing it as corrupt and misrepresenting God's grace.

What was the 95 Theses and its significance?

The 95 Theses were Luther's list of arguments against indulgences, which he posted in 1517 to provoke debate.

What key idea did Martin Luther promote about access to scripture?

Luther promoted the idea that everyone should read and interpret scripture for themselves, not just rely on the pope.

What is the priesthood of all believers according to Martin Luther?

It is the concept that every individual has the right to interpret scripture and can act as their own priest.

What did Luther assert about the authority of scripture?

He believed that scripture is the only authority in Christianity and that practices not grounded in scripture should be discarded.

What were some corrupt practices within the Catholic Church that Luther wanted to reform?

Luther opposed practices such as selling indulgences and the buying and selling of church offices.

How did the Renaissance influence Luther's views on individualism?

The Renaissance fostered a belief in individual interpretation and personal connection to the divine, which Luther embraced.

What was the impact of Luther translating the Bible into German?

It made scripture more accessible to the general population, promoting individual reading and understanding.

How did Luther’s view on the pope differ from those in Catholicism?

Luther believed that scripture alone should guide Christian practice, rather than papal authority.

What was the broader historical context of Luther's challenges to the Catholic Church?

Luther's actions were part of the Reformation, which sought to reform corrupt practices within the Church.