Protestant Reformation / Causes
Aim: Why would people start questioning the power of the Catholic church?
Do Now: What Renaissance Philosophy caused a look away from the Roman Catholic church?
The Protestant Reformation - Causes
Background
The Protestant Reformation was a major turning point in history. Not only did it affect religious life in Europe, but also affected social, political, and economic institutions as well. The Reformation's leaders were Martin Luther and John Calvin, both educated as priests for the Catholic Church. The Reformation was a protest against perceived wrong doings by the Catholic Church. The followers of Luther and Calvin became known as Protestants, because of their "protesting."
Causes
Church Corruption: By the 1500s the Catholic Church was the most wealthy and powerful institution in Europe. Many church leaders lived more like kings, than priests, and became increasingly involved in political matters. To raise money for these activities, the Church raised fees for services such as, marriage and baptism, and also began the sale of indulgences, which were letters of forgiveness for one's sins. This caused both anger and resentment across Europe, and many called for reforms to take place.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a German monk who was concerned about the sale of indulgences and other corruptions in the church. In 1517, he wrote his 95 Theses, which were 95 arguments against the sale of indulgences. He posted these on the door of the Wittenberg church in protest. The Catholic Church ordered Luther to recant, or take back his theses, but he refused. The Church excommunicated him, and would have executed him had they been able to capture him. Luther's ideas spread quickly throughout the Germany and Scandinavia, mainly due to the new printing press. Luther's beliefs are what sparked the Reformation.
Beliefs
Luther believed that Christians could only reach salvation through faith in god. He did not believe that the Pope or other priests had any special powers, including the forgiveness of sins. Luther's beliefs became the basis for the Protestant form of Christianity.
John Calvin
John Calvin was another priest - turned reformer. Like Luther, he believed that faith in god provided the path to salvation, but he also promoted the idea of predestination. Predestination is the belief that certain people were chosen by god for salvation. Followers of Calvin all believed they were predestined for heaven. They setup religious communities throughout Europe and lived very strict, moral lives.
Classwork & Homework
Lesson PowerPoint: Protestant Reformation - Causes
Lesson Video: The Plague
Lesson Activity: Protestant Reformation Causes Worksheet
Homework:
- Complete the Reformation Causes Worksheet, if not completed in class