Reformation and Church Doctrine: Key Terms and Movements

Clergy

All religious officials of the Roman Catholic Church

Avignon Papacy

The period of the Pope being held captive in France and as a puppet to the French Monarchy showcases the decrease in absolute papal power

Heresy

The action of going against the church's doctrine and the Church itself

John Wycliffe

(c.1328-1384) Forerunner to the Reformation. Attacked the corruption of the clergy and questioned the power of the pope. Taught in vernacular and encouraged vernacular texts

Hussites

people who criticized the German control of their country and backed reform of the Catholic Church under John Huss and questioned eucharist and clergy authority. Promoted vernacular teachings

Eucharist

A Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper by consecrating bread and wine; absolving people of lesser sins such as anger and impatience

Conciliar Movement

The councils held more power than Pope and could elect the Pope themselves; during the Three Popes' crisis, dissolved absolute papal authority and caused people to worry about the clergy

Vulgate

St. Jerome's fourth-century translation of the Bible from Greek into the vernacular Latin

Simony

the buying and selling of church offices

Purgatory

A state of final purification or cleansing, which one may need to enter following death and before entering Heaven

Indulgence

A pardon given by the Roman Catholic Church to people who have sinned in return for money

John Tetzel

The most famous seller of indulgences, a Dominican friar

Martin Luther

95 Theses, posted in 1517, led to religious reform in Germany, denying papal power and absolutist rule. Claimed there were only 2 sacraments: baptism and communion. Learned about the Church as a monk and lawyer

95 Theses (1517)

Martin Luther's ideas, which he posted on the church door at Wittenberg, questioned the Roman Catholic Church. This act began the Reformation

Sola Scriptura

"Scripture alone." It is the belief that all man needs for salvation is the Bible. This is a tenet for most Protestants.

Sola Fide

Justification by faith alone; participation in sacraments and moral action

Sola Gratia

Salvation comes through God's grace alone, rather than any human effort, such as the priests' facilitation