Luther & The Protestant Reformation

1. Luther & The Protestant Reformation

2. Why does it matter? • Nearly 1/5 of the Christians in today’s world are Protestants. • The Reformation not only changed the face of Christianity in Europe, it also changed the culture. • Luther called for a “reform” not a “revolt.”

3. Social Political • Renaissance values of humanism and secularism led people to question the Church. • The printing press helped to spread ideas critical of the Church • Powerful monarchs challenged the Church as the supreme power in Europe. • Many rulers viewed the pope as a foreign ruler and challenged his authority. Causes of the Reformation

4. Economic Religious • European princes and kings were jealous of the Church’s wealth. • Merchants and others resented having to pay taxes to the Church. • Some church leaders had become worldly and corrupt. • Many people found church practices such as the sale of indulgences corrupt. Causes of the Reformation

5. Luther & The 95 Theses • Luther went to seminary and then began teaching scripture at the University of Wittenberg. • While there he began to study beyond the limits of the school and became angry with practices of the Catholic Church. • Specifically he became a spokesman against the selling of indulgences. (Johann Tetzel)

6. The 95 Theses - Martin Luther was so troubled by the selling of indulgences by Tetzel, that he wrote his 95 theses (formal statements) attacking those who called for the selling of indulgences to save one’s soul.

7. Luther’s 3 Major Teachings • People could win salvation only by faith in God’s gift of forgiveness. The church taught that faith and good works were needed. • All Church teachings should be clearly based on the words of the Bible. Both the pope and church traditions were false authorities. • All people with faith were equal. Therefore people did not need priests to interpret the Bible for them.

8. The Response to Luther • Pope Leo X threatens Luther with excommunication if he does not take back his statements. • Luther will not take them back and is excommunicated by the Pope.

9. The Response to Luther • Holy Roman Emperor Charles V opposes Luther’s teachings and summons him to court. • He claims Luther is a heretic and outlaw and that his books must be burned. • Peasants Revolt of 1524 leaves 100,000 people dead across Europe. • Luther is horrified and hurries to stop the peasants. • He called for reform….not revolt.

10. War within Germany • Charles V declares war on his own princes. After defeating them though, he is unable to force them into the Catholic Church. • The famous religious settlement between Charles V and his princes becomes known as the Peace of Augsburg.

11. The Founding of Protestantism • German princes support Luther and will not let the Catholic Church exercise control over them. • Those who are Christians but belong to non-Catholic churches begin to be known as Protestants.

12. Henry VIII Edward VI • Was Catholic and became a Protestant for political reasons. • Was convinced his wife Catherine would have no more children to take the throne. • Had Parliament pass laws to end the pope’s power and allow Henry to divorce. • Was Protestant but was too young too run the empire. • Has older advisors who are all Protestant. • Only reigned for 6 years. English Monarchs & Their Beliefs

13. Mary I Elizabeth • Took the throne in 1553 and was Catholic. • She returned the throne to the English Church. • She met much resistance until her death. • Determined to return her kingdom to Protestantism. • Parliament obeyed and set up the Anglican Church which was to be known as the only Church of England. • This would be a moderate church encouraging both Catholics and Protestants to join. English Monarchs & Their Beliefs

14. Pleased Protestants Pleased Catholics • Priests were allowed to marry. • Sermons were given in English so the common man could understand. • Kept many traditions such as the rich robes. • Church services were revised to be similar to Catholic services. The Anglican Church

15. Protestant Reformation Led by Martin Luther. Was begun to rid the Church of wrongdoings and misinterpretations of scripture. Changed the Catholic Church and created the Protestant Church. Led to much debate, turmoil, and even bloodshed within Europe. Led to a period of constant change in the English monarchy.

16. Reformation Illustration • Create an illustration depicting the story of the Protestant Reformation. • Select a part or all of what we’ve studied to illustrate. • On the back of the paper, describe what your picture illustrates.