Transcript The Reformation A 16th Century Revolution Stearns, Chapter 17, pp 372-374 Problems of the Roman Catholic Church by the 16th century: 1.

The Reformation
A 16th Century Revolution
Stearns, Chapter 17, pp 372-374
Problems of the Roman Catholic Church
by the 16th century:
1. Lay investiture
2. Simony
3. Sale of indulgences
a. Tetzel
4. Spiritual quality of church leaders
and nepotism
5. Rising use of vernacular and printing
Vernacular: the commonly used language
Emerging vernacular languages were those
such as
• English
• German
• French
• Italian
• Spanish
6. The rise of the beliefs of
Christian humanism, that
humans could use reason
to improve themselves.
The best known Christian humanist was
Desiderius Erasmus.
Church practices which led
to challenges:
1. Latin as the exclusive church language
2. The Inquisition’s search for heretics
3. The exclusive role of the church through the use of
sacraments, saints and relics for salvation.
4. The use of interdict against kings and states
Sacraments such as baptism,
confirmation, the Lord’s Supper
and extreme unction were seen
as a means for receiving God’s
grace and were necessary for a
Christian’s salvation. Therefore,
the clergy were seen to have a
key role in the attainment of
salvation.
Early Resistance to church practices
• John Wycliff
• John Hus
• Erasmus (following
slide)
• Sir Thomas More
(wrote UTOPIA)
Reformation Era Popes
Alexander VI, Julius II, Leo X
Desiderius Erasmus
1512 In Praise of Folly was a
satire about elements within
society which he thought
needed reform. He was
particularly
harsh on the abuses in
the church and was
particularly concerned about
monks
“Erasmus laid the egg that
Luther hatched.”
Martin Luther a monk who
taught at the University of
Wittenberg
Ninety Five Theses-1517
Thousands of copies of his
theses were copied and
distributed, causing notice
from Pope Leo X and
Charles V [ Holy Roman
Emperor].
DIET OF WORMS!!!!
1521—Charles V calls
Imperial Diet—Luther is
expected to recant but refuses
Martin Luther’s Teachings:
•Both faith and good works are necessary
if a Christian is to gain personal salvation.
•Humans are saved through faith in the
promises of God.
•Doctrine of “justification by faith” or
“salvation by faith alone”
Martin Luther Burns
the Papal Bull at
Wittenberg
The Bible was seen as the chief guide to
religious truth. Luther eventually
translated the Bible into German so that
all people could read the scriptures.
Luther’s 2nd translation
of the Bible
1662 Nuremberg Bible
Results of Martin Luther’s defiance of the
Pope and Charles V:
1. Charles V ordered the burning of all of
Martin Luther’s books.
2. The pope excommunicated Luther.
3. Numerous rulers within the Holy Roman
states supported Martin Luther and fought
against Charles V including Frederick of
Saxony.
4. Eventually churches emerged in these
states which will be Lutheran churches.
Peace of Augsburg 1555--Charles V
agreed to let the German rulers choose the
church for their state. Religion of the
ruler became the religion for the state.
Reformation in Switzerland
John Calvin, exiled from France for
following the growing number of
Protestants.
Institutes of the Christian Religion--1536
Established a reform government in
Geneva, Switzerland. Calvinist principles
controlled the governing of the city.
Followers came from throughout Europe to
study and return home with Calvinist
concepts
Calvinist Principles
1. Bible only source of Christian doctrine
2. Baptism and Communion-only sacraments
3. Predestination--doctrine of the “elect” which
expressed the belief that the chosen of God were
determined only through divine grace. This
reflected the all powerful role of God.
4. Rejection of the wealth of the Catholic
church led to a strong demand for plain
expression of faith and living
France--Huguenots
England--Puritans
Reformation in England
A different Protestant
movement where the
break with the Catholic
Church precedes a
change in theological
differences.
HENRY VIII: NEEDS
A SON!!!
(Tudor family)
Henry asks for a divorce
after twenty years of
marriage to Catherine of
Aragon.
He petitions Pope
Clement VII who refuses
to grant the divorce.
Catherine is the aunt of
the Holy Roman
Emperor Charles V
How did Henry VIII respond to the Pope’s
refusal to allow him to divorce?
1. Appointed new Archbishop of Canterbury
2. Parliament passes Act of Supremacy
1534-King the supreme head of church
3. Oath of Supremacy must be taken by all
subjects
Results in England
1. Monastery lands were
confiscated and given to loyal
aristocrats.
2. 1547--Edward VI, son of Jane
Seymour became king at age ten.
He reigns for six years.
3. Sir Thomas More [author of
Utopia resisted, jailed, executed]
What was the response of the Catholic
Church to the Protestant challenge?
The Counter Reformation
Official response of RCC
was slow
Ignatius de Loyola- began
group dedicated to pope
The Jesuits
(Society of Jesus)
“soldiers for Christ”
Vows of poverty and
spreading of faith in North
and South America
THE COUNCIL OF TRENT (1545-63)
Series of meetings to clearly define the
doctrines of Catholicism, not to make
compromises with Protestantism.
REFORMS:
•Simony, nepotism, indulgences and
luxurious living rejected
•Index of Prohibited Literature.
•Established seminary schools for training of
priests.
Effects of the Reformation
1. Destroyed the medieval political unity
of Europe and fostered the spirit of
modern “nationalism.”
2. Strengthened the authority of the state
over its people.
3. Revived interest in religion--but based on
authority--the Bible for Protestants,
the Church for Catholicism.
4. Contributed to the rise of the middle
class.
5. Economically contributed to the rise
of capitalism--made making interest
(previously known as the sin of usury)
and the investment of capital
respectable (especially Calvin).
6. Led to terrible religious wars.
7. Was reflected in the struggles of the
European nations in the contest for
areas of the “New World.”