The Reformation What does reformation mean? To reform something is to change it, in order to make it better. During the Renaissance, as people became more aware of the world, their place in it, and the possibility of human potential, the Catholic church began to be criticized by many people. These people thought the Catholic church should be reformed. Protestant Reformation: a 16th century European movement for religious reform that led to the foundation of churches that rejected the authority of the Pope.

Criticism of the Catholic Church Church leaders were too interested in secular power and economic wealth, and not interested enough in religion. Church leaders were accused of corruption; many of them lived lavish lifestyles, consumed alcohol, or fathered children. As the printing press made access to the Bible easier for common people, they relied less on priests to help them establish a spiritual relationship with god. Urbanization improved the economy, and merchants disliked paying taxes to the Pope in Rome.

Causes of the Reformation Social Causes Political Causes Economic Causes Religious Causes The Renaissance values of humanism and secularism led people to question the authority of the church. The printing press helped to spread ideas and writings that were critical of the church. Powerful kings challenged the Church as the supreme power in Europe. Many kings viewed the Pope as a foreign leader and challenged his authority. As the economy of Europe grew stronger, people did not want to pay taxes to the Pope in Rome. European kings were jealous of the Pope’s wealth. Some church leaders became corrupt (living fancy lifestyles, fathering children, and allowing people to buy forgiveness for their sins). People thought that religious leaders should focus more on spiritual matters, and less on political power.

Divisions in the Christian Church The Early Christian Church Eastern Orthodox Church Roman Catholic Church Protestantism Lutheranism Calvinism Anglicanism

Martin Luther A German monk and teacher Protested against the church selling indulgences (pardons that released people from performing penalties for their sins) Wrote the 95 Theses, formal statements attacking the actions of the church The 95 Theses were quickly reprinted and spread throughout Europe, beginning the Reformation movement for religious reform

Luther’s Ideas for Reform The Catholic Church Martin Luther Good works and faith could win you salvation Religious authority comes from tradition and the Pope’s teachings Priests should interpret the words of the Bible for the people Only faith could win you salvation Religious authority can only be found in the words of the Bible Priests were not needed to interpret the Bible Whose ideas do you agree with more? Those of the Catholic Church, or those of the Protestant, Martin Luther?

Luther’s Reformation Luther was excommunicated from the Catholic Church for his teachings. His followers became known as Lutherans. All people who protested the actions of the Pope became known as Protestants.

John Calvin A French follower of Luther Published a book that summarized the beliefs of Protestants called “Institutes of the Christian Religion” Followers of Calvin were called Calvinists

Calvin’s Ideas for Reform Calvin believed in predestination (the idea that a “select” group of people were chosen by God for salvation; there was nothing you could do to change this destiny) Calvin believed an ideal society should be theocratic (the government should be ruled by religious leaders) Calvin thought people should wear dark clothing, devote their lives to religious study, and follow strict moral behavior

(one daughter, Elizabeth) Henry VIII of England Catherine of Aragon (one daughter, Mary) 4. Anne of Cleves (no children) Anne Boleyn (one daughter, Elizabeth) 5. Catherine Howard (no children) King Henry also opposed the Catholic church, because they did not allow divorce…. Henry had six wives!!! 6. Catherine Parr (no children) 3. Jane Seymour (one son, Edward)

Henry’s 1st Wife Henry VIII became King of England in 1521. He married Catherine of Aragon (daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, and Catholic). Catherine of Aragon had one daughter, Mary. As Catherine grew older and no male child was born, Henry decided he wanted to divorce her and marry another. One problem… The Catholic Church does not permit divorce. Henry asked the Pope to allow his divorce, but the Pope refused. Henry VIII Catherine of Aragon Mary

Henry’s 2nd Wife Henry forms a New Church In defiance of the Pope, Henry and the English government passed a series of laws allowing him to divorce Catherine of Aragon. He began his own church, the Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church. He also quickly married a much younger woman, Anne Boleyn. Anne and Henry had a daughter, Elizabeth. However, when Anne did not produce a son, Henry had her head cut off. Henry VIII Anne Boleyn Elizabeth

Additional Wives of Henry VIII Henry’s third wife, Jane Seymour, had a son named Edward. But Jane died two weeks after Edward’s birth. Henry married three other women: Anne of Cleves (divorced from Henry) Catherine Howard (also beheaded) Catherine Parr (married to Henry until his death) Henry VIII Jane Seymour Edward

Religion In England after Henry’s death: 1. Edward (Protestant) 2. Mary (Catholic) 3. Elizabeth (Protestant) Edward took the throne at the age of 9 and was heavily influenced by his Protestant advisors. He died at age 15. Elizabeth took the throne after Mary left no heir. She returned England to Protestantism and began an era of religious peace and cultural expression known as the “Elizabethan Era.” Mary took the throne after Edwards death and returned England to Catholic rule. She executed Protestants, earning the name “Bloody Mary.”

Divisions in the Christian Church The Early Christian Church Eastern Orthodox Church Roman Catholic Church Protestantism Lutheranism Calvinism Anglicanism