The Reformation BeginsMartin Luther Born 1483 Monk in the Catholic Church publicly argues that the Pope (1517) can’t decide what’s required for Heaven.

Reformation = Martin Luther sought to reform the churchHowever, the movement led to Protestantism (new churches)

What led to the Reformation?Desiderius Erasmus – part of movement “Christian humanism”• Use reason to become better Christians • He studied ancient Christian works for inspiration • Goal = translate Bible into the vernacular (everyday lang)• Argues= people need to lead good lives • religious services are not enough

Problems in the Church• Taxed people heavy • Some bishops behave like kings (palaces, art, and jobs) • In some villages, priests couldn’t read or give a sermon• Anger over “Sale of Indulgences” pardon by church 4 sins• Money used to build St. Peters in Rome

Martin Luther angered over Church selling (1500s) God’s forgiveness / this was unholy to M.L.John Wycliffe - An English priest (1370s) Challenged Pope “only Jesus Christ is the power above the Christian not the Pope” • Englishmen learn Christ's law best in English. Moses heard Gods law

in his own tongue; so did Christ's apostles.• After Wycliffe died followers translated the bible into English

Martin LutherVisited Rome shocked at the behavior of the clergy.Church Doctrine: Saved = good works + sacraments

Luther: studies Bible & learns that faith not works = salvation salvation is a gift from God, not earned through works In 1517, Nails 95 Theses to church door in Wittenberg Catholic Church “it’s a dangerous message for priests” Excommunicated = couldn’t partake of sacraments

Lutheranism Faith in Jesus not good works = salvation Bible final source of truth about god not church ministersChurch = all believers not just the clergy

LutheranismSome of Europe’s Kings realized they could increase their power by supporting Lutheranism against the Catholic Church

Many German rulers became Lutherans for religious and political reasons = win-win

When German rulers became Lutheran they seized church land, and collected income from these new properties. German rulers became more powerful /Catholic Church less

Charles V went to war w/ German rulersAgreement = German rulers decide to be Catholic or LutheranResult = most Northern Germany Lutheran/Southern Catholic

John Calvin 1500sGeneva, Switzerland

Message: God’s will is absolute and decides everything in advancePredestination – god decides heaven or hell

Why be good?

Neither kings nor Bishops should control the churchCongregations should choose elders and ministers to run the church