Early Reform Tendencies n Monastic Reforms sought to remind the Church of spiritual functions and responsibilities n Cluny, France 910 (Restoration of Benedictine Rule) n Citeaux, France 1098 (Cistercians) n Development of mendicant or “begging” orders

Monastic Reform n Francis ( ) – Order of the Friars Minor devoted to ideals of simplicity n Francis expresses ideal of monk in Middle Ages (devotion to natural realm) n Dominic ( ): Dominican Friars devoted to defending “Orthodoxy” n Corruption: e.g. case of “rival popes” established in 1378 (one Roman and one French). Papal dispute settled in 1415 by Council of Constance.

Renaissance n Literary and artistic revival in 14 th and 15 th century (cradle: Italy) n Willingness to examine human achievement critically- confidence in achievement n Humanism (classical antiquity is model of eloquence). Vulgate translation questioned (Erasmus of Rotterdam : 1516, celebrated edition of the Greek NT with translation into classical Latin)

Background: Reformation n Feudalism gives way to nationalism n Advances in navigation and printing n Early reformers: John Wycliff ( ): English clergyman: Bible should be read in language of the people n John Huss (1372/3-1415): Bohemian picks up on Wycliff’s teaching and leads popular revolt

Luther ( ) n Becomes Augustinian Monk n : Conversion Experience (Paul) n October 31, 1517: 95 theses tacked to Church door at Wittenberg against Indulgences (justification by faith alone) n Breach with Church finalized by 1520: end of 16 th century, 2/3 of Germany Lutheran

Luther and Church Authority n Questions concerning the power of the Pope and his representatives to grant indulgences raise fundamental questions about the relationship between God and humanity n Shifts locus of authority from Church to individual’s faith based on his or her own interpretation of Scripture

Luther and the Bible n Bible as Primary Source of Contact with God’s truth n Scripture becomes preeminent over Tradition n Roman Catholic perspective: fearful of individual interpretation of the Bible n The Vatican II perspective in Roman Catholicism

The Priesthood of All Believers n God speaking directly to individuals does not require the mediation of priests n An appeal to NT patterns of authority (1 Peter 2:9-10) n All vocations are of equal value n Monasticism rejected n Clerics encouraged to marry

Consequences of Reformation n Luther’s concepts contributed significantly to the modern western attitude: religion is essentially a matter of personal commitment n By the end of 16th century, the Protestant Reformation had effectively shattered the patterns of Medieval Christendom n Most reformers nevertheless insisted that preaching and sacraments are a God- ordained means of grace within the communal life of Christians