Protestant Reformation Overview

Protestant Reformation and Counter-Reformation

• Martin Luther, a German religious reformer, challenged the Catholic Church. His Ninety-Five Theses, despite intended reform, sparked a rebellion, forcing him to align with nobility.
• Luther's translation of the Bible into German was highly influential.
• Luther's rebellion was significant compared to earlier heretic movements due to its success.
• Luther was a conservative figure, but peasant interpretations led to a conflict addressed with noble support.
• European trade competition influenced global events during this period.
• The Reformation represented a major split from the Catholic Church (following the initial split from the Orthodox Church).
• Catholic doctrines emphasized access through the Church, indulgences (absolution of sins), and purgatory (soul between heaven and hell).
• Indulgences, offered as enticements for crusades, were criticized for their practice by Luther.
• Church corruption amongst Renaissance Popes exacerbated criticisms.
• Lutheranism, the first successful break, led to the emerging term "Protestant," originally a derogatory label.

Lutheran Doctrine

• Lutherans diverged from the Catholic Church, challenging the notion of salvation through sacraments or good works as necessary for salvation.
• Luther believed salvation is solely through God's grace.
• Luther accepted baptism and communion as valid sacraments based on biblical precedent.
• Luther believed the priest is a guide, not a gatekeeper of spiritual authority.
• Luther advocated for direct access to the Bible for the laity.

Calvinism

• Calvinism emerged from Lutheranism, founded by John Calvin, a French lawyer who was exiled for Protestant ideals.
• Calvin's theology established a distinct Protestant denomination in Geneva.
• Calvinism espoused predestination, the belief that salvation or damnation is predetermined by God.
• Calvinists believed that outward piety, a dedicated life according to the Bible, and worldly success indicated God's favor (without guaranteeing salvation).
• Calvinists aimed to establish religious communities through strict standards.
• Calvinism spread to various regions including France (Huguenots), Scotland (Presbyterians), and North America (Puritans).
• A significant rivalry existed between Lutherans and Calvinists.

Anglicanism (English Reformation)

• The English Reformation stemmed from King Henry VIII's desire for a divorce, leading to his breakaway from the Catholic Church.
• The Act of Supremacy legally separated England from the Catholic Church and established the monarch as head of the Church of England.
• The Church of England retained many Catholic doctrines and rituals but differed in structure.
• Henry VIII seized Catholic Church properties.

Counter-Reformation

• The Catholic Church responded to Protestantism, initially with inactivity, yet individuals questioning the practices grew.
• Pope Paul III commissioned reports on potential reforms, but doctrinal changes were limited.
• The Holy Office (inquisition) was created to combat heresy.
• The Index of Forbidden Books was instituted to control access to religious material.
• The Council of Trent (1545-1563) addressed accusations against the Catholic Church.
• The Jesuits, a religious order led by Ignatius of Loyola, focused on reconverting Protestants to Catholicism.

Explore the key events and figures of the Protestant Reformation and Counter-Reformation, focusing on Martin Luther's challenges to Catholic doctrines. Delve into the impact of his Ninety-Five Theses, Bible translation, and the socio-economic factors influencing this transformative period in European history.