European Medieval History (1300-1400)

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Questions and Answers

Which event is considered a significant factor contributing to the call for reform in the Church?

The Great Schism (correct)

The establishment of the Conciliar Movement

The invention of the printing press

The emergence of the Protestant Reformation

What was the primary outcome of the Council of Constance?

Restoration of Martin V to the papacy (correct)

Revival of the Treasury of Merit

Complete elimination of prayers for the dead

Establishment of two rival papacies

According to Thomas Aquinas, which group of people died without fully atoning for their sins?

The wicked

The martyrs

The saints

The souls in purgatory (correct)

What did the Council of Basel attempt to achieve?

Restore bishops’ rule Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to the Catholic Mass, how do most Protestant churches view the Lord's Supper?

As a symbolic remembrance of Christ's death Signup and view all the answers

What major impact did the Black Death have on Europe?

The decline of the Catholic Church's authority Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'Treasury of Merit' in Catholic doctrine?

A collection of saints' excess merits for distribution Signup and view all the answers

What was a common misconception regarding the practice of prayers for the dead?

Prayers for the dead were widely supported in the New Testament Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of masses for the dead in the Catholic Church?

To help the deceased receive a better fate in Purgatory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals is known for questioning the authority of the Roman Catholic Church?

Luther Signup and view all the answers

What significant change accompanied the expansion of knowledge during the Renaissance?

The rise of the middle class Signup and view all the answers

Which event directly contributed to the commencement of the Reformation?

The selling of indulgences Signup and view all the answers

How did the invention of the printing press impact the church and its practices?

It facilitated the challenge of church teachings. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the moral issues prevalent among the clergy during the lead-up to the Reformation?

Nepotism Signup and view all the answers

What change in the social structure facilitated individuals to improve their status in life?

The expansion of trade Signup and view all the answers

What role did powerful rulers play in the Reformation?

They often supported the reformers for political gain. Signup and view all the answers

Which period marked the transition from medieval to modern times in Europe?

The Renaissance Signup and view all the answers

In what area did the northern states of Europe focus during the Renaissance?

Literature and original texts Signup and view all the answers

What consequence did the selling of indulgences have on the church's perception?

It led to widespread criticism and dissent. Signup and view all the answers

What defined the sociological changes during the Reformation period?

Opportunities for social mobility Signup and view all the answers

What was Erasmus's approach toward the issues within the Church?

He sought to reform the Church from within. Signup and view all the answers

What led Martin Luther to enter monastic life?

A lightning storm he experienced Signup and view all the answers

Which theological concept did Martin Luther find pivotal and transformative in his life?

The Just shall live by faith Signup and view all the answers

Who provided support and protection to Martin Luther during his confrontations with the Church?

Elector Frederick of Saxony Signup and view all the answers

What was John Tetzel known for in relation to the Reformation?

Selling indulgences Signup and view all the answers

What was the main issue Martin Luther addressed in his 95 theses?

The sale of indulgences Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the criticisms Luther had regarding the clergy during his visit to Rome?

They lacked moral integrity Signup and view all the answers

What was the Leipzig Debate primarily concerned with?

Scriptural authority vs. church authority Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a significant aspect of Martin Luther's early life according to his upbringing?

He faced severe expectations and punishment Signup and view all the answers

What did Luther rely on more as he grew in understanding theology?

Reading scripture and Augustine's writings Signup and view all the answers

How did Luther's views on God's justice change over time?

They shifted from fear to a sense of love Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Leipzig Debate for Martin Luther?

He was branded a heretic Signup and view all the answers

What was Martin Luther’s initial educational pursuit at the University of Erfurt?

Law Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Luther take on October 31, 1517?

Nailed his 95 theses to the Castle Church door Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Luther's feelings towards fasts and bodily punishments during his monastic years?

He thought they were essential for salvation Signup and view all the answers

What was Erasmus's response to the church's request to oppose Luther?

He wrote The Freedom of the Will. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Luther's critiques of Erasmus?

Erasmus was too diplomatic. Signup and view all the answers

What was Calvin's initial training focused on before his conversion?

Law and humanism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Calvin's contribution to Geneva during his first stay?

He produced catechisms and a church order. Signup and view all the answers

How did Calvin react when asked to stay in Geneva to help with the Reformation?

He refused initially due to personal desires. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Church's policies in Geneva during Calvin's rule?

There were strict penalties for moral offenses. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Calvin's actions during his 'exile' in Strasbourg?

He published REPLY TO CARDINAL SADOLETO. Signup and view all the answers

What type of state did Calvin model Geneva after upon his return?

A theocratic state. Signup and view all the answers

How did Calvin's Calvinist views position him between Erastian and Anabaptist ideas?

He advocated for church and state cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of Michael Servetus in Geneva?

He was executed, which tarnished Calvin's reputation. Signup and view all the answers

What did Calvin believe constituted a true church?

Where the word is faithfully preached and sacraments properly administered. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of Luther's approach to opposing the church compared to Erasmus?

Luther was radical and based his opposition on Scripture. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event marked Calvin's second stay in Geneva?

He began extensive reforms including a civil code. Signup and view all the answers

What did Luther assert regarding the Lord's Supper and Baptism in his critiques?

They were the only valid Sacraments. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Luther's appearance at the Diet of Worms in April 1521?

He was excommunicated and declared an outlaw. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Luther take on December 10, 1520?

He burned the Papal Bull and canonical law books. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Luther initially sympathize with the Peasants' Revolt?

He felt the peasants were justified in their grievances. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons Luther turned against the peasants during the revolt?

They had committed crimes in God's name, bringing shame to Christianity. Signup and view all the answers

Which literary work made Erasmus especially popular for its satirical critique of the church?

In Praise of Folly Signup and view all the answers

What did Luther mean by his statement at the Diet of Worms regarding his conscience?

His conscience was bound to the Word of God above papal authority. Signup and view all the answers

What resulted from the Imperial Edict placed on Luther after the Diet of Worms?

He could be killed by anyone without warning. Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Luther take towards the Jews during his lifetime?

He initially reached out but later turned against them. Signup and view all the answers

What was Luther's relationship with Katherine von Bora?

She was a former nun whom he married. Signup and view all the answers

How did Luther contribute to the translation of the New Testament?

He used the 1516 edition of Erasmus’ Greek New Testament. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motive behind the Emperor summoning the Imperial Diet at Worms?

To resolve growing tensions for unity in the Empire. Signup and view all the answers

What retraction did Luther make later during his theological career?

His initial feelings about the book of James. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Erasmus significant in the context of the Reformation?

He published the Greek New Testament that influenced several translations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Babylonian Captivity (1309-1377)

The Pope moved to Avignon, France, for several years

The Great Schism (1378-1417)

Two rival popes were elected, one in Rome and one in Avignon.
This resulted in the burden of maintaining two papal courts.

The Council of Constance (1414-1418)

The Council of Constance attempted to address the Great Schism.
Martin V restored the papacy.
. / Jan Hus, who challenged some Catholic teachings, was condemned and burned at the stake.

The Council of Basel (1431-1439)

The Council of Basel aimed to solidify the power of bishops.
Its efforts to reduce the power of the papacy failed.

The Black Death (1348-1350)

A pandemic caused a significant decline in European population.
It wiped out almost a third of the population.

The Doctrine of Purgatory

Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) fully developed the concept of Purgatory.
Purgatory is a state of purification after death for souls that are not yet ready for Heaven.
Aquinas classified people into three categories:
- Those who go directly to Hell.
- Those who go directly to Heaven.
- Those who need purification in Purgatory.

The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation

It consists of four stages: contrition, confession, penance, and absolution.

The Treasury of Merit

The Catholic Church held the belief that there was a depository of the excess merit of saints.
The Pope was believed to have the authority to distribute this "merit" to those in need.

The Lord's Supper vs. Catholic Mass

The Lord's Supper is recognized as Communion by Protestant Episcopalians.
Other Protestants call it the Lord's Table or the Lord's Supper.
Roman Catholics believe that during the Mass, the elements of bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus.
Protestant denominations vary in their understanding, with perspectives ranging from a remembrance of Christ's death to a spiritual experience of Christ's presence.

Masses for the Dead

Catholic tradition included Masses for the Dead.
This practice was believed to assist the deceased person in Purgatory.

The Reformation

The Roman Catholic Church's growing power led to increased control over its members.
Dissenting voices were often silenced through death, punishments, or excommunication.
The majority of people were afraid to challenge the Church's authority.
However, a few influential figures spoke out against the Church, including Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli.

Erasmus of Rotterdam

A humanist priest who observed the evils of the Church.
He chose to criticize the Church through satire rather than open condemnation.
Luther hoped Erasmus would join the Reformation, but Erasmus remained neutral, fearing for his reputation.

The Reformation: Context

Expanding World:
- Discoveries by Columbus and other explorers expanded oceanic knowledge.
- The exploration of the world led to the discovery of new trade routes.
Political Change:
- The feudal system gave way to nation-states.
- Feudal rulers gained considerable power and emerged as powerful figures in the changing landscape.
- These rulers sometimes sided with Reformers, challenging the Church's authority.
Economic Change:
- The emergence of international trade fostered a new wealthy middle class.
Social Change:
- Class divisions began to dissolve, providing opportunities for individual advancement.
- The rise of towns and businesses offered alternative sources of income.
Intellectual and Cultural Change:
- The Renaissance promoted a rebirth of classical literature and art.
- The emphasis on restoring and rediscovering the past prompted a return to the original texts of the Bible.
- This led to a critical examination of the Church's practices in comparison to the teachings found in the Bible.

Moral Changes in the Church:

Wealth of the Church:
- The Church accumulated significant wealth through donations and its role as a mediator between powerful Christian states.
- This potentially diluted the Church's spiritual focus.
Corruption:
- The Church faced concerns regarding nepotism, simony (buying church positions), immoral living, and greed within the clergy.

The Introduction of Printing and its impact

The invention of the printing press greatly facilitated the spread of ideas and scholarship.
It empowered Reformers to challenge the Catholic Church's teachings and practices.
The Church was forced to defend its positions and respond to the growing criticism.

The Direct Cause of the Reformation

The sale of indulgences.
Indulgences were certificates of pardon sold by the Church to raise funds for the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
They were believed to reduce the punishment of sins in Purgatory.
The sale of indulgences angered many within the Church and led to a public outcry.

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Luther was a German monk and theologian who is credited with initiating the Protestant Reformation.
Known for his "Sola Scriptura" doctrine, emphasizing the Bible as the ultimate authority.
His challenge to the Church's authority, particularly the sale of indulgences, sparked a major religious movement.

Luther's Early Life:

His parents were pious but demanding, instilling a sense of fear and anxiety in him about God's judgment.
He was raised in a strict environment where emphasis was placed on doing good works for salvation.

Luther's Education:

Luther studied law at the University of Erfurt but experienced a crisis following a thunderstorm.
He vowed to become a monk and devoted himself to the monastic life.

Luther's Monastic Experiences:

Luther took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
He practiced severe self-discipline and constantly confessed his sins.
He grappled with the idea of earning salvation through good deeds.
Later, he was encouraged by his superior to study the Bible and the teachings of Augustine.

Luther's Theological Development:

In 1515, he experienced a turning point when he read Romans 1:17, realizing that justification was by faith alone and not by works.
His understanding of Scripture shifted, and he became increasingly critical of Church practices.

Luther's Encounter with the Sale of Indulgences:

John Tetzel, a Dominican monk, aggressively sold indulgences near Wittenberg.
Luther condemned the practice, believing it was a false promise of salvation.

Luther's 95 Theses:

He wrote and publicly posted 95 Theses challenging the indulgences system.
This event is generally recognized as the symbolic beginning of the Reformation.

Luther's Response:

He was summoned to the next meeting of the Augustinian order, but he found support among the monks.

The Leipzig Debate:

Luther engaged in a public debate with John Eck, a Roman Catholic priest.
Luther affirmed the authority of Scripture over the Pope and church councils.

Luther's Writings:

Luther authored several significant works, including: "Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation," "The Babylonian Captivity," and "The Freedom of the Christian Man."

Luther's Confrontation with the Church:

He was excommunicated by the Pope for his teachings.
After refusing to recant his beliefs at the Diet of Worms, he was declared an outlaw.
However, he was protected by Frederick the Wise, the Elector of Saxony.
Luther translated the New Testament into German and later the Old Testament.
He participated in the Peasants’ Revolt, initially supporting the peasants, but later turned against them.

Erasmus (1466-1536)

A renowned humanist scholar who published the Greek New Testament in 1516—the basis for many later translations, including Luther's German translation.
Erasmus, respected by both Reformers and Catholics, was a social reformer who criticized the corrupt practices of the clergy.
His satirical writings, like “In Praise of Folly,” (1510) exposed the Church's hypocrisy and corruption.### Erasmus
Erasmus was a humanist scholar who criticized the church for its excesses.
Erasmus was sympathetic to Luther's initial ideas but distanced himself when Luther became too critical of the church.
Erasmus was asked by the church to oppose Luther, which he did reluctantly with the book, The Freedom of the Will.
Luther responded to Erasmus's book with The Bondage of the Will.
Erasmus's Greek New Testament was criticized, despite his excellent scholarship.
Erasmus's contribution to the Reformation is considered significant, even though he was not as radical as Luther or Calvin; he aimed to reform the church from within.

John Calvin

Calvin was born in France and belonged to a wealthy family.
His father secured church positions for his sons, guaranteeing them a steady income.
Calvin's early ambition was to be a scholar, although his training was in law.
Calvin was influenced by Seneca, a Roman Stoic philosopher who wrote about good governance.
He had a profound religious experience that changed the direction of his life.
Calvin fled France because of his religious views.
He was persuaded to stay in Geneva and become a leader of the Reformation there.
He was expelled from Geneva and later asked to return.
During his second stay, he established Geneva as a theocratic state with a strict moral code.
Calvin's reforms included a civil code, a church governance system, and strict enforcement of religious norms.
His theology emphasizes God's sovereignty, human depravity, predestination, and the transformation of the world by God's grace.
Calvin's key writings include the Institutes of the Christian Religion, Commentaries, Treatises, Sermons, Letters and Tracts.

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Explore significant events in European history during the late Middle Ages, including the Babylonian Captivity, the Great Schism, and the Council of Constance. This quiz covers key developments that shaped the religious landscape of Europe during this turbulent period. Test your knowledge on the impact of events such as the Black Death and the development of the Doctrine of Purgatory.