New Branches of Christianity

Lutheranism

Martin Luther called for a full reform of the Catholic Church, and in doing so, created the Lutheran faith in Germany. He believed this should be done by making the following changes:

– Salvation should be by faith alone • (The Catholic Church had taught that faith

and “good works” were needed for salvation)

– All church teachings should be based on the words of the Bible not the Pope and the Church

– All people with faith were equal– you do not need priests to interpret the Bible for them.

Many people were eager to follow Luther and Lutheranism for many different reasons. The wealthy wanted to follow Luther because it was a way to keep their wealth, but also have a chance at salvation through religion; the poor were offered dignity and respect through the Lutheran religion, as well as faith without needing to make payments to the church.

Calvinism

Calvinism, also called the Reformed Faith, was made following the Christian practice of John Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland.

John Calvin preached his ideas of a theocracy– an ideal government– where religious leaders controlled the government. Calvin believed that all people, monarchs included, should do work to show gratitude to their god through service.

Other beliefs of Calvinism include the idea of predestination. Predestination is the idea that God chooses a very few people that will be saved and go to heaven, and therefore it is impossible to earn salvation. These people who were chosen for salvation were known as ‘the elect.’

Presbyterianism

The Presbyterian faith began with John Knox in Scotland. Knox was inspired by John Calvin’s Calvinist preachings in Switzerland, and brought his ideas back to Scotland.

The Presbyterian faith includes the following beliefs: Following the word of the Bible to guide their

faith Salvation is dependent on God’s grace Their worship service is focused on preaching Believers interpret the Bible for themselves A council of elders govern the truth

Anabaptist

The most important practices of the Anabaptists began in Bohemia, and was defined by the major practice of baptism. Anabaptists believed in the baptism of those old enough to choose to be baptized into Christianity and join the church.

They also believed in radical reformation of the church, and these practices included:

Separation of church and state Refusal to fight in wars Sharing all possessions Work and service for the community

The beliefs of the Anabaptists of the reformation period would later become the Mennonites and the Amish, and inspire the beliefs of the Quakers and Baptists.

Lutheranism Calvinism Presbyterianism Anabaptists

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