CHAPTER 16.1 THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION Prelude to • Christian humanism: Study of humanities with the goal being Church Reformation (not societal) reform • Desiderius Erasmus: best-known Christian humanist; wanted a return to simpler days of early Christianity – Criticized abuses in the Catholic Church to encourage reform – “Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched” Erasmus • “[They] attribute strange virtues to the shrines and images of saints and martyrs, and so would make their credulous proselytes believe, that if they pay their devotion to St. Christopher in the morning, they shall be guarded and secured the day following from all dangers and misfortunes: if soldiers, when they first take arms, shall come and mumble over such a set prayer before the picture of St. Barbara, they shall return safe from all engagements.” Need for • Various peoples also criticized the Church; saw Renaissance popes, Reform officials as greedy and too political – People felt ignored by priests • To secure salvation, many made pilgrimages to view relics – Viewing relics gained someone an indulgence (document sold by the Church that released someone from all or part of the punishment for sin; reduced time in purgatory after death) Need for • Veneration of relics was Reform hugely popular – Frederick III held >5,000 relics – Church sold relics and indulgences • Martin Luther was a Catholic monk and teacher of Martin the Bible – Questioned the idea that faith and good works were Luther and needed to gain salvation – Believed salvation was found through faith alone; Bible is the Ninety- the only source of religious truth five Theses • Core of Protestant Reformation • Luther frustrated by sale of indulgences and Church corruption • October 31, 1517: Luther nailed his “Ninety-five Theses” to door of the Church in Wittenberg, Germany – Ninety-five Theses: A written attack on the abuses and corruption of the Church and indulgences A Break • Luther became more “radical” over time With the – Called for German princes to overthrow papacy – Attacked Catholic sacraments (except baptism Church and Eucharist) – Called for clergy to marry • Luther was excommunicated and then summoned to appear before the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V – Charles V tried changing Luther’s mind; Luther refused • Luther made an outlaw; protected by Frederick III of Saxony With your table partner, read this quotation: Discussion “A single friar who goes counter to all Christianity for a thousand years must be wrong.” – Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor Now discuss: 1. Do you agree with this statement? 2. Dozens of other priests and important people had criticized the Church before, why was Martin Luther special? Why did his criticism lead to reform and not anyone before him? The printing press allowed Luther’s ideas to spread across all Europe; among rich AND poor • Luther’s movement becomes Rise of revolution Lutheranism – Many German rulers supported Luther and took control of Catholic churches in their territories; churches now supervised by gov’t • Luther replaced mass with Bible readings – Married a nun; model for married family life • Luther’s doctrine known as Lutheranism – First Protestant faith Politics in • Luther faced challenges – Peasants’ War: German peasants inspired the German by Luther’s reformation, seek end to serfdom and revolt against lords Reformation • Luther sides with lords; relied on gov’t leaders to spread Lutheranism • Lords crush revolt; 100,000 killed – Charles V wanted to crush Lutheranism; preoccupied with multiple lengthy wars • Many German lords sided with Luther, not Charles • Peace of Augsburg: Charles V formally accepted division of Christianity in Germany.