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THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION IN EUROPE. CONFLICT. Why is Martin Luther nailing his 95 Thesis here?. Luther’s 95 Thesis. When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said "Repent", He called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.
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Luther’s 95 Thesis • When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said "Repent", He called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance. • The word cannot be properly understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, i.e. confession and satisfaction, as administered by the clergy. • Yet its meaning is not restricted to repentance in one's heart; for such repentance is null unless it produces outward signs in various mortifications of the flesh. • As long as hatred of self abides (i.e. true inward repentance) the penalty of sin abides, viz., until we enter the kingdom of heaven. Source: http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/history/95theses.htm
THE VATICAN IN ROME DESCRIBE THE RESPONSE TO LUTHER’S 95 THESIS
What was the Reformation in Europe during the 16th century? The Reformation was a period of time in Europe when people wanted changes to be made in the Catholic church. It aimed to reform the entire institution of the Church. The reformers targeted certain major areas of change. They sought to improve the moral lives of the Clergy. They attempted to undermine the Papal claim to supreme authority. They asserted the political power and importance at the national level.
Why did the Europeans want changes in their church? • The Church of Rome dominated Europe in the 16th century. • Most of the socio-political and economic activities of various countries were highly influenced by the Church and the higher Clergy had become worldly and corrupt. • People saw these irreligious acts in the name of religion. They did not like it. They desired a change in the entire Church system. • This strong desire of the people led to a revolution in the religious life of Europe in the 16th century.
WHAT WERE THE REASONS FOR THE REFORM? • There were several reasons for this revolt against tradition. Since the 13th century, the Roman Catholic Popes had paid less attention to their main work, that of spreading religion. • They were occupied with other activities and pleasures of the world. In other words, they indulged in what their religion considered excess. • They were also interested in the politics of Europe for personal reasons. The common people saw all this. Antagonistic feelings were clearly on the rise.
Luther’s Protest • By the late 1400’s, indulgences could be obtained in exchange for money gifts to the church. • A German Monk and professor of theology triggered a revolt, his name Martin Luther. • A priest named Johann Tetzel offered indulgences on the outskirt of town to any Christian who would contribute money. These indulgences would assure entry into heaven and the dead relatives of that person. • Luther became outraged and drew up the 95 Theses. • Here, Luther argued that indulgences had no basis in the Bible, and the Pope had no authority to release souls from purgatory. Only thru…faith!
Luther’s Teachings • First – reject the Church doctrine that good deeds were necessary for salvation, instead salvation was achieved through faith alone. • Second – the Bible is the sole source of religious truth not the Church Council or Pope. • Third – reject that the Pope and Church hierarchy had special powers. • Translated the Bible into the German vernacular for the ordinary people could study by themselves.
Luther versus the Church • The church asked Luther to recant (give up your views). • Refused, developed a more radical new doctrine, urging Christians to reject the authority of Rome. • 1521, Luther was excommunicated from the church and refused to recant a second time. • Roman Emperor Charles declared Luther an outlaw and made it a crime for anyone in the empire to aid and shelter Luther.
Spread of Lutheran Ideas • By 1530, Lutherans were using a new name “Protestant,” for those who “protested” against papal authority. • Widespread support due to the clergies agreeing to Luther’s reforms as the answer to Church corruption. • German princes embraced these beliefs for more selfish reasons. • 1524, peasants revolt for social and economic change. • Luther strongly favored social order and respect for political authority, denounced the violent revolt
Calvinism • John Calvin’s ideas had a profound effect on the direction of the reformation. • Salvation was gained through faith alone, the Bible was the only source of religious truth. • Predestination, or that God had long ago determined who would gain salvation. World was divide into to two kinds of people, saints and sinners. • Set up a “theocracy,” gov’t. ran by church leaders
Cont… • Calvinists stressed hard work, discipline, honesty and morality • No fighting, swearing, laughing in church or dancing. • By late 1500s, it spreads to Germany, France, the Netherlands, England, and Scotland. • These challenges to the Catholic Church set off bloody wars of religion across Europe.(I.e., Huguenots vs. Catholics)
THE FOLLOWING IMAGES SHOW THE DIFFERENT POLICIES ADOPTED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF EUROPE. • In your group, you are going to use the images to identify and explain the policies carried out by either individuals, groups or a nation to make the reformation happen.
MARTIN LUTHER PREACHING What was Luther Preaching?
The following websites will help you interpret the above images: PROTESTANT REFORMATION GENERAL INFORAMTION ON THE PROTESTANT REFORAMTION
