3/24 Focus 3/24 Focus: – Criticisms of the Catholic Church led to a religious movement called the Protestant Reformation and brought changes in religion and politics across Europe. Important Terms: Important Terms: – Indulgences Do Now: Do Now: – Which renaissance movement called for a focus on worldly subjects rather than religious one?

The Protestant Reformation A period when some Europeans broke away from the Catholic Church – Formed new Christian churches and ways of practicing Christianity

Causes of the Reformation Humanist ideas developed during the renaissance led some people to question Church authority – Some began to question abuses of power in the Church – Called for reforms to the church

Causes of the Reformation Some people believed that Church leaders were acting like kings and had become corrupt – More concerned with power and wealth – Popes spent large amount of money on their own pleasure and on fighting wars – Pope Alexander VI admitted that he had several children

Causes of the Reformation Church needed to raise money to beautify churches and pay artists during the renaissance – Raised fees for weddings and baptisms – Sold indulgences A pardon for sins committed during a persons lifetime Gained you instant access to heaven

Martin Luther German monk who was angered by the sale of indulgences Posted the 95 Theses on the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany in 1517 – arguments against the sale of indulgences

Martin Luther’s Teachings People could only get to heaven through faith in God – Pope could not grant pardons for sins The Bible was the only source of religious truth All people with faith were equal – Priests were not special – Priests could marry Bible and church mass did not need to be in Latin – Could be done in any language

Response to Luther’s Teachings The printing press led to that rapid spread of Luther’s ideas through northern Europe

Response to Luther’s Teachings Rulers and merchants who were unhappy with the Church for political and economic reasons were attracted to his teachings – German princes protected Luther Poor Peasants had been offended by the sale of indulgences and wealthy lifestyle of clergy

Response to Luther’s Teachings Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther in 1520 after Luther refused to recant his statements – Realized that Luther had become a threat Holy Roman Emperor declared him an outlaw

Protestants Luther’s ideas led to a split in the Church – Protestants People who supported Luther’s protests

Closure What was the Catholic Church doing that led Martin Luther to post his 95 Theses on the Church door in Wittenberg? What impact did the printing press have on the Protestant Reformation?

The Peace of Augsburg Allowed German princes to determine if their territory would become Protestant or Catholic – Lutheran religion became the dominant religion in northern Germany