Religious Developments: Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation, and related Catholic practices and responses.

Martin Luther

German monk who sparked the Protestant Reformation by challenging Catholic practices such as indulgences and advocating justification by faith.

Protestant Reformation

16th-century religious reform movement aimed at reforming the Catholic Church, which led to the creation of Protestant churches.

95 Theses

Luther’s list of criticisms of the Catholic Church, posted in 1517, famously challenging indulgences.

Indulgences

Papal certificates that were believed to reduce punishment for sins; a primary target of Luther’s critique.

Excommunication

Formal removal from the Catholic Church; a consequence faced by Luther from church authorities.

Salvation by faith

The belief that individuals are saved through faith in God rather than through indulgences or good works.

Protestant

A follower of the Protestant Reformation who rejects certain Catholic doctrines and practices.

Catholic Church

The centralized Christian church led by the Pope, especially before and during the Reformation.

Catholicism

The doctrines, practices, and overall tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious rebellion

Widespread opposition to Catholic authority during the Reformation, sometimes leading to conflict.

Martin Luther

German monk who sparked the Protestant Reformation by challenging Catholic practices such as indulgences and advocating justification by faith.

Protestant Reformation

16th-century religious reform movement aimed at reforming the Catholic Church, which led to the creation of Protestant churches.

95 Theses

Luther’s list of criticisms of the Catholic Church, posted in 1517, famously challenging indulgences.

Indulgences

Papal certificates that were believed to reduce punishment for sins; a primary target of Luther’s critique.

Excommunication

Formal removal from the Catholic Church; a consequence faced by Luther from church authorities.

Salvation by faith

The belief that individuals are saved through faith in God rather than through indulgences or good works.

Protestant

A follower of the Protestant Reformation who rejects certain Catholic doctrines and practices.

Catholic Church

The centralized Christian church led by the Pope, especially before and during the Reformation.

Catholicism

The doctrines, practices, and overall tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious rebellion

Widespread opposition to Catholic authority during the Reformation, sometimes leading to conflict.

John Calvin

Influential French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation, known for developing Calvinism.

Counter-Reformation

The period of Catholic resurgence initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation.