THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION

CAUSES OF THE REFORMATION The Renaissance emphasized the secular (worldly) & the individual. Erasmus’ notion of Christian humanism placed emphasis on human ability to improve themselves—and therefore improve the church and society. New Merchants resented paying taxes (tithes) to church. New rulers resented Papal Power. People who cannot afford it paying their taxes.

PROBLEMS WITH THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Corrupt leaders Popes: spent recklessly on luxuries fathered children waged military conflicts for personal gain Priests: often poorly educated/could not teach others often gambled and drank to excess Critical sculptor of Pope’s lifestyle

EARLY REFORMERS Believed the Bible, not church leaders, should be the spiritual authority (Gutenberg press advanced this possibility). Believed the pope should not interfere in politics. Began by seeking to reform church from within . . . (Erasmus).

MARTIN LUTHER First major reformer of the Roman Catholic Church Lived in Germany Became a monk Taught scripture at the University in Germany Spent his life trying to be a good Christian

LUTHER’S ANGER AT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Objected to the selling of indulgences. Indulgences were purchased “pardons” for your sins. Roman Catholics often told they could buy their way into heaven. Friar Johann Tetzel selling indulgences: “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.”

THE 95 THESES To protest the sale of indulgences, Luther posted 95 statements against the practices of the Church. Invited scholars to debate him.

LUTHER’S BELIEFS Salvation only came through faith in God, not good works (or $$!). Church teachings should be based on the Bible, NOT the pope’s word. People did not need priests. They could interpret the Bible for themselves.(!!!!) Clergy should be free to wed. Services should be in vernacular. Luther translating Bible for all to read

German students cheer as Luther burns papal decree CHURCH ATTACKS LUTHER Pope threatened to ex-communicate him unless he took back his writings against the church. Luther threw the Pope’s decrees into a fire. 1521: Luther was excommunicated. German students cheer as Luther burns papal decree

Immediate Impact: The Peasants’ War June 1524: Inspired by Luther’s message, peasants in the German countryside revolted against their lords and waited for Luther’s help—which never came. Did the peasants have a right to feel betrayed by Luther? Many, historians believe that Luther used highly inflammatory language that couldn't help but be misinterpreted in the worst possible sense by the peasants . . . Was Luther to blame for the uprising??? Luther and the Peasant Revolt Debate

Luther praying before the Diet at Worms EDICT OF WORMS HRE Charles V (King of Germany) declared Luther a heretic and outlaw. After hiding for a year with help from the ruler of Saxony (a state within the HRE), Luther discovered that many people had adopted his ideas (ministers married and wore plain clothes, services were in German, etc.) His followers called themselves LUTHERANS. Term “PROTESTANT” would refer to all “protesters” of Catholic Church. (Split formally recognized in Peace of Augsburg) Luther praying before the Diet at Worms