Protestant Reformation Cards

Erasmus (C. 1466 - 1536)

During the Renaissance, Erasmus was a Dutch Catholic priest who believed in reforming the church from within rather than breaking away from it. He often emphasized Christian discipline and was against ideas and practices of greed and power. Additionally, he often criticized the corruption of the clergy and advocated for a return to simple Christian values. Although he tried to appeal to humanist ideals, Erasmus was reluctant to let go of the core central tenets of Christianity depriving oneself of luxury or material goods and wealth.

Thomas More (1478 - 1535)

Thomas More was an English lawyer who wished to create utopian-like communities. Like many others, More believed the New World would be a great place to establish such. Furthermore, More believed that providing social goods services and public resources would create a more just environment which would lead to less inequalities and injustices such as stealing.

Great Schism of 1378

A split within the Roman Catholic Church resulting in multiple claimants to the papacy, causing significant political and religious conflict in Europe. The schism began when two popes were elected, Pope Urban VI in Rome and Clement VII in Avignon (France). The second pop (Clement VII) was elected because Pope Urban VI had fallen out of favor with the people due to his harsh ruling and reforms. So the people claimed they were pressured into electing an Italian pope and thus claimed that Pope Urban VI was invalid and elected the new pope, Clement VII who resided in France.

Council of Pisa (1409)

A meeting of cardinals aimed at solving the Schism but ultimately failing by electing a third pope.

Indulgences

Indulgences were essentially a piece of paper that people would buy to pardon their sins. When people did not have the time or did not want to waste their time doing penance, they could purchase indulgences to reduce their time in purgatory. This also became a great source of wealth and income for the church.

Martin Luther (1483 - 1546)

Martin Luther originally attended university to become a lawyer, however, after a violent thunderstorm Luther vowed to become a monk. Luther then joined the Augustinian order which was known to be more stricter. In the early 1500s, he was sent to Rome on a mission, however, after witnessing the corruption of the clergy as well as the indulgences, he wrote a response of 95 theses addressing things like corruption.

Diet of Worms (1521)

This was an assembly held in Worms, Germany where the current Holy Roman Emperor Charles V called Martin Luther to defend his teachings. Although the emperor declared him a heretic under the Edict of Worms, the different 7 princes of the Holy Roman Empire kept Martin Luther safe and hidden.

Anabaptists

Believed that only adults with a were aware enough to make the decision of getting baptized.