Catholic Church and Reformation Overview

Catholic Church Hierarchy

• The Pope was the sole connection to God
• Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops formed the next levels of authority
• Priests and Monks were below Bishops
• Laity (non-church members) were at the bottom

Causes of the Reformation

• 100 Years War and Black Death
• Uneducated clergy who believed they held ultimate authority over scripture
• Clergy preoccupied with worldly affairs rather than spiritual work
• Contradictory scientific discoveries
• Indulgences (paying for sins gone)
• Merchants tired of church taxes

Renaissance Ideas

• Secularism refers to the principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions. It promotes the idea that the state should remain neutral in matters of religious belief, ensuring that religious groups do not influence public policy or governance. This concept emerged strongly during the Renaissance, as scholars began to prioritize human reasoning and empirical evidence over traditional religious authority. The rise of secularism encouraged intellectual freedom and gave rise to new philosophies that focused on human experience and the material world, rather than solely on spiritual concerns. This shift played a significant role in the development of modern societies, as it allowed for greater tolerance of diverse beliefs and fostered an environment in which science, philosophy, and the arts could flourish independently of ecclesiastical control.
• Individualism
• Christian humanists

Early Calls for Church Reform: The Minor Reformers

• Pierre Valdo of France translated the Bible into French and opposed Catholic authority
• John Wycliffe of England translated the Bible into English
• Jan Huss of Bohemia preached church services in the vernacular
• These reformers believed the Bible held more authority than church leaders
• Some of the reformers were burned at the stake or executed posthumously

What Was the Protestant Reformation?

• Protestant: Someone against the Catholic Church
• Reformation: A time when people demanded changes in the church

Review Questions (2.1)

• During the Renaissance, secular leaders held societal power
• The church hierarchy consisted of the Pope, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Monks, and Laity
• The church hierarchy influenced the lives of Europeans by dictating religious practices and social structures
• Early reformers included Pierre Valdo, John Wycliffe, and Jan Huss
• Reasons for their unsuccessful reform movements included strong opposition from the Catholic Church, their radical ideas, and persecution
• Key causes of the Reformation included the 100 Years War, the Black Death, the clergy's worldly interests, scientific discoveries, indulgences and church taxes

Essential Questions (2.2)

• The Reformation occurred after the Renaissance
• Martin Luther was a German monk. He believed salvation came through faith, not good works, and the Bible was the ultimate authority for Christians
• His beliefs conflicted with the Catholic Church's practices of selling indulgences, holding wealth and power
• Martin Luther's 95 Theses challenged the Pope's authority, the extreme wealth of the church, and the practice of indulgences
• The success of the theses was assisted by Gutenberg's Printing Press

Major Reformers

• Martin Luther
• John Calvin
• Henry VIII

Martin Luther

• He was a German monk dissatisfied with the Catholic Church
• He believed faith, not good works, saved people
• He believed the Bible held ultimate authority over Christians
• He believed all humans are equal before God

Luther's Issues with the Church

• Selling of indulgences

• Merchants charging interest (usury)

• Church's wealth and power

• The significant influence and control exerted by Italians during this historical period stemmed from their economic, cultural, and political advancements. Italy emerged as a major center of trade and commerce, which allowed Italian city-states like Venice, Genoa, and Florence to thrive and dominate Mediterranean trade routes. This prosperity facilitated the rise of influential banking families, such as the Medici, who played crucial roles in financing arts, politics, and exploration.

  Additionally, the Italian Renaissance marked a period of profound cultural rebirth, showcasing remarkable advancements in art, science, and philosophy. Renowned figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei not only shaped their respective fields but also had a lasting impact on European culture as a whole.

  Through their innovations and leadership in various sectors, Italians set the stage for artistic and intellectual movements that would resonate throughout Europe, establishing Italy as a central power both culturally and economically during this era.

Luther's 95 Theses

• A list of criticisms about the Catholic Church
• Luther argued against the Pope's power, the church's extreme wealth, and indulgences
• Posted on doors in Wittenberg
• Gutenberg's printing press led to quick spread

Gutenberg's Printing Press

• Could print approximately 250 sheets per hour
• Made book creation more accessible
• Allowed the middle class to obtain books
• Increased literacy

Martin Luther's Main Teachings

• Salvation by faith alone
• Teaching based on the Bible
• All people are equal

Pope Leo X Medici

• Pope during the height of church corruption
• Ordered Luther to renounce his beliefs

The Holy Roman Emperor

• Charles V summoned Luther to trial in Worms
• Issued the Edict of Worms, declaring him an outlaw and heretic

Peasant Reaction

• Peasants revolted against serfdom in 1524
• Luther did not support the revolt, and the princes of Germany massacred 100,000 people

Lutherans and Catholics at War

• Northern German princes supported Luther
• Other princes joined forces against them
• Charles V declared war against the Protestants
• 1555 Peace of Augsburg — Each German state's religion would be decided by its ruler.

The Thirty Years War (1618-1648)

• The Peace of Augsburg, established in 1555, failed to provide long-term resolution to religious conflicts, leading to ongoing disputes between Lutheran and Catholic territories in the Holy Roman Empire.
• Calvinism heightened religious tension

King Henry VIII

• Began as a devout Catholic
• Wanted a divorce from Catherine of Aragon
• Pope refused an annulment
• Henry passed laws ending papal power in England
• Declared himself head of the Church of England

The 6 Wives of Henry VIII

• Catherine of Aragon, Ann Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr had different fates

Queen Elizabeth I

• Daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
• Combined Catholic and Protestant styles
• Made the Anglican Church the official church of Great Britain

John Calvin

• His ideas challenged the Catholic Church
• Developed the concept of predestination (God chooses who goes to heaven)
• Believed moral life reflected predestination
• Emphasized a strong work ethic, which was viewed as essential for personal success and community stability.

Calvinism: The Five Points of Calvinism (T.U.L.I.P)

• Total Depravity: People are morally corrupted
• Unconditional Election: God chooses who goes to heaven independently of works
• Limited Atonement: Christ died only for the elect
• Irresistible Grace: God's grace cannot be resisted
• Perseverance of the Saints: Saved individuals remain saved

Predestination

• Calvin's belief that salvation is predetermined at birth

Calvinism

• Calvinism began in Switzerland during the early 16th century, primarily influenced by the work of theologian John Calvin, who established a systematic approach to Christian doctrine that emphasized predestination and the sovereignty of God.
• Calvin led the city of Geneva as a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, implementing strict religious regulations.
• He believed government should be a theocracy (religious leaders in control).

John Knox

• Henry VIII’s visit to Calvin in Geneva allowed him to explore and appreciate Calvin's revolutionary theological ideas, particularly regarding predestination and church governance.
• after a period of political instability and conflict.
• His followers were known as Presbyterians, a group that originated from his teachings and beliefs and became prominent in various parts of Europe, particularly in Scotland.

The Anabaptists

• Another Christian group that broke away
• Believed in adult baptism
• Experienced persecution throughout Europe