The Protestant Reformation (early 1500s)

• A religious revolution• Humanists driven• Split the Roman

Catholic Church in western Europe

• Popes lost sight of spiritual mission– Political leaders &

warriors– Wealth more important

than saving souls

Origins of the Reformation• Germany due to weak

central government• Pope Leo X built

St. Peter’s Basilica• Raised funds by selling indulgences – Reward for pious deeds* Purchase a pardon for sins to

reduce time in purgatory

• Martin Luther protests abuses

Martin Luther’s Protest• Considered himself a

sinner• Became a monk• Church rituals did nothing

to rid him of his feelings of damnation

• Epiphany: an inner faith in god leads to salvation

• 95 Theses– Protests abuse of

indulgences

Lutheranism• Luther’s believes:

– “priesthood of believers”– Bible is sole religious authority– Ceremonies did NOT counteract sins– Priests have no role in salvation

• 1520: 3 publications that outlined his doctrines

• 1521: Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther– Charles V

• Diet of Worms

• 1522: translated New Testament into German

• By 1534: translated entire Bible from Hebrew & Greek

• New ministers can baptize and give communion

"Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."

Spread of Protestantism

• Lutheranism and other Protestant faiths sprang up all over Europe

• 1555: Peace at Augsburg– Charles V stopped attempts to end

Protestant movement– each German ruler could choose its

religion• Subjects had to accept religion or leave

• Sects: 100s of religious groups emerged. Few succeeded.

• Anabaptists survived thru Mennonites & Hutterites– Adults only can be baptized

Anglican Church (1529-1536)• King Henry VIII• “Defender o/t Faith”• Henry VIII wanted a divorce

– Church refuses– No son w/ Catherine of Aragon

(Charles V aunt)– Married Anne Boleyn– 6 wives in total

• King Edward VI

• Parliament creates the Anglican Church (aka: Church of England) w/ king as its head

• Protestant doctrine w/ Catholic organization