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Roots of the Reformation: Problems within the Church

Roots of the Reformation: Problems within the Church . European History. 1. Erosion of Papal Authority. In theory – pope governed the Church of Western Christendom But New Monarchies weakened papal authority Church dependent on political relationships. 2. New Religious Movements.

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Roots of the Reformation: Problems within the Church

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  1. Roots of the Reformation:Problems within the Church European History

  2. 1. Erosion of Papal Authority • In theory – pope governed the Church of Western Christendom • ButNew Monarchies weakened papal authority • Church dependent on political relationships

  3. 2. New Religious Movements • “heretical” religious movements challenge papal authority • William of Occam (c.1290-1349), Low Countries – ind. piety, Scriptures key, imp. of leading a good, simple life • John Wyclif (c. 1328-1384) & Lollards, England – reading Scriptures = basis; rejected transubstantiation • Peasant revolt of 1381 lessens his impact • Jan Hus (c. 1369-1415) – criticized worldliness, advocated a return to unadorned religion; pope = “anti-Christ”; common man could reform the Church; communion = bread and wine

  4. 3. Conciliarism • The rise in power of councils, due to Avignon Papacy and Great Schism weaken pope’s authority • Council of Pisa (1409) • Election of third pope • Council of Constance (1414-1418) • Hus burned at stake • Election of Pope Martin V = end of Great Schism • Council of Basel (1431-1445) • Debate the unlimited authority of the pope • Pope Pius II (1458-1464) • Execrabilis declares councils heretical – returns absolute authority of the pope

  5. 4. Apparent Corruption • Church’s authority more important than controlling or even appearing concerned about corruption • Selling of indulgences to increase papal treasury – Pope Leo X, Johann Tetzel, Albert of Hohenzollern • “God has given us the papacy – let us enjoy it!” – Poe Leo X • 1/5 of all priests (Trent) kept concubines • Nepotism • Simony • Pluralism & Absenteeism • Estates-General (1484) & Diet of Augsburg (1510) call for reforms

  6. Christian Humanist Reformers • Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536) • Christian Humanist from Netherlands • Educated by Brothers of the Common Life • 1503 Handbook of the Christian Knight • “Philosophy of Christ” in daily life • Focus on inner piety (not ritual) • People need to understand the Scriptures and early church fathers = 1516 New Latin translation of Bible • Church must… • Spread teaching of “philosophy of Christ” • Offer enlightened education in early Scriptures • Combat apparent corruption w/in the Church • In Praise of Folly, 1511 • “Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched.”

  7. Christian Humanist Reformers • Thomas More (1478-1535) • Lawyer, devote Catholic, studied Greek and Latin, friend of Erasmus • Friend and confidant of Henry VIII – eventually Lord Chancellor • 1516 wrote Utopia • Society is highly regulated for the moral welfare of all participants; communal ownership and care of property and community; little to no focus on material wealth, instead on well-being of society • However, More is a realist: “For things will never be perfect, until human beings are perfect – which I don’t expect them to be for quite a number of years.” • 1535 martyred for his faith, as he would not aide Henry VIII in gaining a divorce from Pope Clement VII.

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