The Reformation

In 1456, Johann Gutenberg of Germany printed the first complete version of the Bible, using the first printing press in Europe. By 1500, more than 20 million volumes had been printed.

The Church began to become highly involved in politics. The Popes spent a lot of money on paintings and sculptors to beautify the Church,

In order to finance these expenses, the Church increased fees for services such as marriage and baptism.

Some churches began selling indulgences. An indulgence would lessen the time spent in purgatory

Purgatory is a place where the soul goes to be purified before it can enter heaven.

Who was Johann Gutenberg? Why did the Church need money? What were indulgences?

Martin Luther Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses, stating his objections to the actions of the church. The most notable of these objections was the selling of indulgences.

Martin Luther Copies of Luther’s 95 Theses were printed and distributed across Europe. The Church asked Martin Luther to recant, or give up his views.

Martin Luther Luther refused. The Church excommunicated Luther.

Martin Luther Following the lead of Martin Luther, many other renounced the authority of the pope.

The Teachings of Luther Salvation was established through faith alone. The Bible is the sole source of truth. All Christians had equal access to God through faith and the Bible.

Peasant Revolt In 1524, a Peasants’ Revolt erupted across Germany.

The Peace of Augsburg Signed in 1555, allowed each prince to decide whether his land would be Catholic or Lutheran.

John Calvin Presented further challenge to the Catholic Church

John Calvin Like Luther, stressed the importance of the Bible.

John Calvin Preached many of the same things that Luther taught. He also preached predestination.

John Calvin Predestination is the idea that God had already determined who was going to go to heaven.

John Calvin Calvin set up a theocracy. A theocracy is a government run by church leaders.

John Calvin The city-state of Geneva asked John Calvin to lead their community.

Reformation Ideas Spread

Reformation in England King Henry VIII ended the Pope’s control over the Church of England.

King Henry VIII Henry came to odds with the Church when he wanted to end his 18 year marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

King Henry VIII Henry wanted to marry Anne Boleyn and asked for an annulment which would cancel his marriage.

The Pope refused to grant the annulment because he did not want to offend the Holy Roman emperor, who was Catherine’s nephew.

King Henry VIII Upset, Henry VIII took the power of the English church away from the pope and gave it to himself.

King Henry VIII Anyone who opposed Henry VIII was charged with treason and then killed. King Henry VIII was then granted the annulment, which allowed him to marry Anne Boleyn.

King Henry VIII Three years later, Henry VIII accused Anne Boleyn of adultery and had her beheaded so he could marry Jane Seymour.

King Henry VIII Between 1536 and 1540, Henry closed the English convents and monasteries and took their land and wealth.

Religious Turmoil From 1547-1558, England switched back and forth between Protestantism to Catholicism

Queen Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth brought stability back to England with a series of compromises. Because of this, England was able to avoid many of the religious wars that occurred throughout Europe at this time.

The Catholic Reformation Pope Paul II set to end corruption and revive moral authority.

Council of Trent Reaffirmed that salvation comes through faith AND good works. The Bible is not the sole source of truth.

Council of Trent The Council took steps to end abuses in the Church. Set penalties for corrupt clergy. Established schools to establish a better educated clergy.

The Catholic Reformation Reform slowed the Protestant tides and returned some areas to the Catholic Church.