The Protestant Reformation

Chapter 5.3: The Protestant Reformation

10. Erasmus and Christian Humanism: A. Protestant Reformation: - reform movement that divided the western church into Catholic and Protestant groups began by Martin Luther

B. Christian Humanism:
- major goal was to reform the Catholic Church - believed in the ability of humans to reason and improve themselves Erasmus: taught Christianity should show people how to live good lives rather than provide a system of beliefs that people had to practice to be saved; wrote Praise of Folly- exposed ignorant and immoral behavior of church especially clergy.

Erasmus

11. Religion on the Eve of the Reformation:

A. Corruption in Catholic Church - popes were more concerned with politics and worldly matters; fought wars Church officials used their office and church money to advance their career and wealth to obtain salvation gather relics or purchase indulgences Modern Devotion stressed the need to follow the teachings of Jesus, but clergy had little interest in the spiritual needs of their people

12. Martin Luther:

- taught salvation comes through faith alone - taught Bible was the only source for religious truth - wrote 95 Theses attack on abuses in the sale of indulgences (1517)

95 Thesis at Wittenberg

- By 1520, called for German princes to establish a reformed German Church - Did away with all the sacraments except baptism and communion - called for priest to marry - 1521, Catholic Church excommunicated Luther

Indulgence

- Edict of Worms Luther was made an outlaw in the holy Roman Empire - Fredrick of Saxony hides Luther until conditions are better - Many German princes form state churches - New religious service: bible reading, preaching of the word, and song replaced mass - Lutheranism first protestant faith

Edict of Worms & Frederick of Saxony

13. Politics in the German Reformation:

- Charles V, holy roman emperor, also ruled an empire consisting of Spain, Bohemia, Hungary, the Low Countries, Milan, Naples, and Spanish territories in the New World. He wanted to keep them all Catholic and under the Hapsburg dynasty. - Charles opposed Francis I of France, Pope Clement VII, and many German states that were supporting Luther. - Too many wars forced Charles to make peace with the German princes; Peace of Augsburg: German states (princes) could choose between Catholicism and Lutheranism.

Charles V

Francis I & Pope Clement VII

Martin Luther