Church History Major Events continued Martin Luther’s 95 theses begins the Protestant Reformation (10/31/1517) Background--Social and Political Factors Weaknesses in Catholic Church: Administrative Divisions Proliferation of Questionable Religious Rituals and Practices Pilgrimages, saint worship, endowment of masses. Corruption and Abuses of Power in Church: Sale of Indulgences and other forms of forgiveness. Simony (selling of church offices).

Church History Major Events continued Central Beliefs of Protestantism Accessibility by Laity: "Priesthood of all Believers" No need for professional intermediaries (priests, confessors, etc.) between the individual and God. Translations of the Bible into the vernacular Lay communion. Conviction that every profession is a religious "calling," not just the priesthood and monasticism. Theological Doctrines Martin Luther—justification by grace and faith, not by works Sometimes led to belief in predestination (Calvin). Some groups denied transubstantiation. Rejection of Non-Biblical Traditions (sola scriptura): e.g.: Clerical celibacy, monasticism, sacraments (e.g.: penance, extreme unction, marriage, confirmation, ordination of ministers), pilgrimage. Many Protestant churches preferred adult (not infant) baptism. Simplification of masses.

Church History Major Events continued The Roman Catholic Reformation (Counter-Reformation) Council of Trent (1545-63) Called for moral reform of clergy Addressed issues of selling indulgences, etc. Strengthening Church structures Proclamation of dogmas Affirmation of both Faith and Works Affirmation of Transubstantiation Establishment of Society of Jesus (Jesuits) under Loyola

The Bible Protestant version Catholic version Old Testament—39 books New Testament—27 books Catholic version Old Testament—46 books Additions—Tobit, Judith, I Maccabees, II Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach, and Baruch Orthodox version is the mostly the same as the Catholic version, but some Orthodox groups have additional books

The New Testament First four books—The Gospels Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark and Luke The fourth Gospel—John Gospel means “good news” A Gospel is an account of the life of Jesus Fifth book—The Acts of the Apostles Early church history Epistles—letters 13 or 14 Pauline epistles (authorship of Hebrews disputed) 7 or 8 other epistles Prophecy—the book of Revelation