Chapter 6: The Protestant Reformation

Question 1

Johann Tetzel

Answer 1

Famous indulgence preacher that Martin Luther saw near Wittenburg that contributed greatly to his decision to post the 95 Theses.

Much of his indulgences were to be used towards the building of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Question 2

Indulgence

Answer 2

A certificate granted by the pope to relieve sins, lessen time in purgatory, or benefit dead relatives in return for a sum of money.

Question 3

95 Theses

Answer 3

On October 31, 1517, Luther pinned his 95 Thesis (complaints of the church) to the church door in Wittenberg.

Question 4

Luther’s beliefs

Answer 4

1. Salvation is achieved by faith alone.
2. The Bible is the only worthy authority.
3. There are only two holy sacraments: the Eucharist and Baptism.
4. Church includes all people that are faithful.
5. All acts of faith have equal merit.
6. Clergy should be able to marry.

Question 5

German Peasant’s Revolt

Answer 5

The German peasants misheard Luther’s stand against the Catholic Church as an endorsement against the oppressive rule of their masters. However, Luther responded completely opposite to how the peasants expected, and instead condemned the peasants for their revolt and urged the nobles to crush the revolt.

Question 6

Luther’s view on women

Answer 6

The elimination of monasteries and convents was a key role in changing the role of 16th century women, as Luther thought they should strive to be models of obedience and Christian charity.

Question 7

The Peace of Augsburg

Answer 7

The peace that ended the civil war between Protestants and Catholics within Germany in 1555. Allowed for each prince to decide the official religion of their state (either Catholic or Lutheran). Calvinists received no recognition.

Question 8

Luther as a religious revolutionary

Answer 8

Luther’s belief went farther than just reforming the Catholic church. Some of his intended reforms include the abolishment of monasteries, allowing priests to marry, reduction of the seven sacraments.

Question 9

Luther as a political conservative

Answer 9

Luther insisted that people should be subordinate to the established authority, and sided with the German nobility.

Question 10

John Calvin’s beliefs

Answer 10

Calvin believed that humans were weak, corrupted, and insignificant. Because they are naturally sinful, God must pre-decide who will be eternally damned or saved: predestination.

Calvin also believed in ruling society for the glory of God.

Question 11

Calvin vs. Luther differences

Answer 11

Calvin believed in predestination, while Luther did not.

Luther believed in the subordination of the Church to the state, whereas Calvin believed the elect had a duty to Christianize the state.

Question 12

Geneva

Answer 12

The people of Geneva asked Calvin to transform their town into a model Christian society. Characteristics included no frivolous activities such as music, art, dancing, and devout religious attendance.

Question 13

Spread of Calvinism

Answer 13

Calvinism was spread to Scotland by Knox, to France (French Calvinists called the Huguenots), and the Puritan churches in England.

Question 14

Henry VIII

Answer 14

King of England. Was a devout Catholic and called the “Defender of the Faith” by the Pope. His political desires were more important to himself than any of his other obligations, evident in his many wives and many marriages.

Question 15

Catherine of Aragon

Answer 15

Henry’s first wife. When she could not produce a male heir for him, he asked the pope to annul their marriage. However, since she was the aunt of King Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire, the pope was hesitant and later refused to annul the marriage.

Question 16

The Act of Supremacy

Answer 16

1534. When King Henry VIII was thwarted by the church, he took to radical measures to get his divorce from Catherine. He made Parliament pass the Act of Supremacy in 1534, which stated that the King of England was the supreme Head of the Catholic Church. He then confirmed his own divorce and married Anne Boleyn. This act severed all ties between the monarch and the Church of England.

Question 17

The dissolution of monasteries

Answer 17

Parliament passed a series of acts that officially dissolved all monasteries. Henry VIII then gave away the newly claimed lands to nobles, which ultimately garnered increased support for the Tudor dynasty.

Question 18

Henry VIII vs. Martin Luther

Answer 18

Henry VIII and Luther both supported the nobles. While Luther supported the noble power by encouraging them to crush the German Peasants’ Revolt, Henry VIII supported them by giving them claimed monastic lands. Both also believed the church should be subordinate to the state, and rejected papal authority.

Henry VIII was a devout Catholic, and was primarily motivated to reform the church due to his political desires to produce a male heir.

Luther was a Protestant, and was motivated to reform the church due to his faith.

Question 19

Elizabeth I of England

Answer 19

Elizabeth I inherited many religious problems after Henry VIII. Rulers before her continued to change the official religion of England between Catholicism and Protestantism, which created confusion. A politique, Elizabeth wanted to find a middle ground that both moderate Protestants and Catholics could agree on.

Question 20

Politique

Answer 20

A ruler who believes political order is more important than one’s own personal beliefs.

Question 21

Isabella of Spain vs. Elizabeth I of England

Answer 21

Isabella of Spain and Elizabeth I of England both wanted a politically unified country, however their means of achieving this was widely different.

Isabella of Spain was a devout Catholic, and very religiously intolerant. She took part in the persecution of the Jews and Muslims, including the Reconquista of Muslim Granada. Both her and Ferdinand forced Jews and Muslims to either convert or to leave the country. This majorly hurt the Spanish economy due to valuable skills and workforce leaving.

Elizabeth I of England was a politique who believed the loyalty of her people was far more important than her own personal beliefs. Instated many religiously tolerant acts and dogmas, and achieved a period of cultural golden age and economic prosperity.

Question 22

Anabaptists

Answer 22

Religious group often seen as too radical by Protestants and Catholics. Main characteristics include rejection of infant baptism, rejection of secular agreements, and complete separation of the church and state. Main anabaptist includes Thomas Muntzer.

Question 23

Luther’s view on Protestant Reformation art

Answer 23

Luther liked and believed art promoted the word of God, especially to illiterate worshippers. He also implemented music into church services.

Question 24

Calvin’s view on Protestant Reformation art

Answer 24

Calvin’s churches all had simple architecture, as he saw ornamentation and fancy shit frivolous and distracting for worshippers and their religious experience.

Question 25

Wood carvings

Answer 25

Wood carvings were a prominent art form in the Protestant Reformation. Dürer was a famous example of a wood carving artist.

Question 26

Women in the Protestant Reformation

Answer 26

The Protestant Reformation did not challenge the notion of women’s subordination to men. However, Luther’s teaching that all vocations have equal merit gave women greater dignity in doing domestic activity. The establishment of the printing press and reformation also increased literacy rates and encouraged women to read the Bible.

Question 27

Marriage in the Protestant Reformation

Answer 27

Marriage was seen as a loving relationship between a man and woman, as family was the center of life.