Summary of the Reformation
- Meaning: To reform/change religion.
Background of Religion in the 10th Century
- Criticism of Roman Catholic practices by rulers, scholars, and clergy.
- Renaissance focus on secularism.
- Challenges to church authority by individuals.
- Spread of ideas via the printing press.
- Rulers seeking independence from papal control.
- Religious reform initiated in Germany.
Issues with the Catholic Church
- Corruption and extravagance among leaders.
- Lower clergy: poorly educated, often illiterate, engaged in vices.
- John Wycliffe (Late 1300s-1400s): Advocated for the Bible as final authority over the Pope.
- Jan Hus: Asserted the Bible's authority; executed for heresy.
Renaissance Humanists
- Desiderius Erasmus: Critiqued church greed in "The Praise of Folly."
- Thomas More: Challenged corrupt church leadership.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
- Monk & scripture teacher; sparked a religious revolution.
Indulgences Controversy
- Luther opposed sales of indulgences, asserting they misled the faithful regarding salvation.
The 95 Theses
- Luther's document criticizing the selling of indulgences; sparked debate and spread ideas.
Luther's Core Beliefs
- Salvation through faith alone.
- Scripture as the sole basis for church teaching.
- Priesthood of all believers.
Papal Responses
- Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther in 1521 after he refused to recant.
Edict of Worms (1521)
- Declared Luther an outlaw and heretic, ordering his books to be burned.
Social and Political Effects
- Emergence of Protestant churches.
- Growth of anti-papal sentiment among rulers and citizens.
- Peasant Revolt of 1524: Luther condemned the violence, causing some peasants to turn against him.
Peace of Augsburg (1555)
- Allowed German princes to determine their state's religion.
- Driven by King Henry VIII's desire for a male heir.
- Resulted in the Act of Supremacy, establishing the monarch as head of the Church of England.
John Calvin
- Developed Calvinism; emphasized predestination.
- Founded a theocracy in Geneva, setting strict moral codes.
- Efforts to reform and retain Catholic loyalty, including Ignatius of Loyola and the establishment of Jesuits.
- Council of Trent reaffirmed key Catholic doctrines and the role of tradition alongside scripture.
