The Reformation

 Define the term reformation.  Dictionary.com answers that in the following way: the religious movement in the 16th century that had for its object the reform of the Roman Catholic Church, and that led to the establishment of the Protestant churches.  In essence, it means a great change that is brought about by protest.  What would you protest about today?

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation  The bottom line for Luther, was that he was unhappy with some of the behaviors of the church.  The Church was selling indulgences.  What do you think indulgences were?

 Basically, an indulgence was given by the church as an absolution to a sin (less time spent in purgatory).  In other words, if you sinned, you could buy your way out of trouble.  Seems like a nice, quick way for the church to make a little extra money.  In 1517, Luther writes the 95 Theses.  In this writing, Luther talks about all of his grievances against the Church.  What do you think will be the reaction of the Church in Rome?

 What do you think excommunication means?  How do you think the rest of Europe will deal with Luther? Will they support Luther, or go against him?  Why do you think a very large, and powerful king will jump into the Protestant bandwagon?

King Henry VIII

 What do you know about King Henry (Tudor)?  Why is it that all Henry is known for is being married to 6 women, and having many other mistresses?  What happened to his wives?

Catherine of Aragon Ann Boleyn

Jane Seymour Anne of Cleves

Catherine Howard (Anne Boleyn’s Cousin) Catherine Parr

Henry’s Legacy Queen Mary “Bloody Mary” Queen Elizabeth I

Questions to Ponder  Why is it that Henry wants to divorce Catherine of Aragon so badly?  How does the church respond to the divorce?  What happens to Anne Boleyn as the marriage progresses, and how is it viewed by the church?  What church is set up as a result of all of this?

 What is the result of Henry’s life, regarding his lasting impact?  What role do his daughters have on his legacy?  How was their relationship?  Who is still considered the best English Royal of all time?  Why is that ironic?

 Broke with Rome  Creation of the Church of England (Anglican Church)  England remained a Roman Catholic country for nearly a thousand years, but then the church separated itself from Rome in 1534, during the reign of King Henry VIII, though it briefly rejoined Rome during the reign of Queen Mary I, in  Since that time, England has been known as a 'stronghold' of Protestantism, and of world-wide Christian evangelism, eventually being eclipsed in these activities during the twentieth century by one of her former colonies, the United States. The bottom line

John Calvin and Calvinism  Do you believe that your entire life has already been laid out for you? All events (past, present and future), and whether or not you got to heaven or hell?  Do you even believe in heaven or hell?

Predestination  What do you think about the theory of Predestination?  What are the positives and the negatives of this thought process?  How does the arrival of Calvinism affect the church?  If you were the Catholic Church at the time, how would you have responded to all of this negativity?

Counter Reformation  The Church is going to go through a period where they will try to reclaim their lost support.  What would you do to reclaim it?

Explain how this painting is an example of the Counter Reformation?

 Why did the church decide to use art to gain supporters instead of the written word?  Also, why was the subject matter always so dark and dreary?  If you lived during the reformation, how would you have responded to all of the changes?