The Protestant Reformation

Complaints about the Church Priests didn’t know basic church teachings Pope too involved in politics Church too rich (one of richest institutions in Europe)

(Complaints, cont.) Indulgences people paid $ to buy forgiveness for sins so they’ll spend less time in purgatory paying for their sins

Desiderius Erasmus Dutch priest and writer that called for reform from within church Church’s problems caused by lazy clergy

Martin Luther German priest Called for religious reform 95 Theses – Oct. 31, 1517 nailed to church door list of criticisms of church - indulgences bad - people didn’t need to give $ or do charity work to get to heaven. Belief & living by Bible enough.

(cont) Bishops, Pope, & Holy Roman Emperor outraged labeled heretic & excommunicated called to appear for hearing; declared outlaw & banished One noble agreed with Luther, helped him escape, & hid him

(Luther, cont.) Caused split in church – those who agreed with Luther called Protestants (because they protest). (Luther didn’t intend for split, but it happened) Protestants who followed Luther known as Lutherans

Luther’s teachings “Priesthood of all believers” – everyone could have a direct relationship w/God – didn’t have to go through priest - belief should be based on Bible, not tradition Translated New Testament into German; commoners could read for themselves Wrote pamphlets, essays & songs about his ideas

Teachings (cont.) Did not think church should be involved in politics. German nobles liked this idea & allowed people to become Lutherans, newly dominant church in Germany