Chapter 8 Reformation Flashcards
(16 cards)
What caused the reformation?
The reformation was caused by many problems in the Catholic Church in the 16th century, one of these problems being corruption. It began as an attempt to improve the Catholic Church and resulted in the founding of Protestant churches.
Causes of the reformation?
Wealth of the church
Influence of the renaissance
Abuse/corruption in the Catholic Church
The power of kings and prices
The printing press
What were the Abuse [corruption] in the Catholic Church?
(i) Nepotism: Many relations of nobles, cardinals and bishops were appointed to church offices or positions. This was called nepotism.
(ii) Simony: This was the buying and selling of church positions. Pope Alexander VI
bought his election as pope by providing more church positions for the cardinals who elected him.
(iii) Pluralism: Some cardinals and bishops had more than one diocese (the area under the control of a bishop). This was called pluralism. Each extra diocese provided more income or money for them.
How did the printing press impact the reformation?
The printing press had reached every major town in Europe. Criticism of the Catholic Church was spread quickly through books and pamphlets.
Why was religion so important?
Religion was important because people explained happenings according to to Gods will and that it was only through the Catholic Church that a person could have salvation.
Who was Martin Luther ?
In the year 1483, Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Germany. In order to become a priest and a monk, he joined the Augustinian order. afterwards rose to the position of Professor of Theology at Saxony’s Wittenbera University
What where the 95 theses?
Luther objected to Tetzel’s preaching. He wrote 95 Theses (arguments) against the sale of indulgences. He wrote them in Latin, the language of scholars, because he wanted to discuss his views with others. He did not set out to begin a rebellion against the Catholic Church.
What were indulgences?
Indulgences where pardons for sins and you buy them to go to hevean.
What did Luther believe? { going to heaven)
Luther believed that faith in God would allow to go to heaven this was called justification by faith. ‘the just man shall live by faith only’
Why did Luther publish the 95 these?
Luther published the 95 these to share his arguments with the false /abusive/ corruption in the Catholic Church that they made believers believe.
How did Rome respond to Luther?
The Pope sent a special letter called a papal bull excommunicating Luther (not allowed to receive the sacraments). Luther burned the papal letter (papal bull) in public.
Why did people support Luther?
The 95 Theses were translated into German and were then printed. By 1517, printing presses were widespread in Germany. This made it much easier to spread Luther’s views all over Germany very quickly.
What happened at the diet of worms?
Charles called Luther to the Diet (parliament) of Worms, near Mainz in Germany in
1521. Here Luther appeared before the Emperor and German princes. Luther spoke before the Diet and refused to withdraw his teachings.
At Worms, the emperor said this man’s [Luther’s] foolishness should be put down by the Empire at once, to stop others from becoming his followers. In reply Luther said he would withdraw nothing written in his books, unless it were proved by the Bible that he was mistaken.
What happened at Wartburg Castle?
Luther was taken to Wartburg Castle by soldiers of Frederick the Wise, where he stayed disguised as ‘Knight George’. During his year there, he translated the New Testament into German and later the Old Testament, making the Bible accessible to ordinary Germans.
How did Lutheranism spread?
Growing division between Catholic and Protestant princes in Germany. Luther had support from northern German princes. Emperor Charles V rejected Augsburg Confession. Lutherans claimed churches. War broke out after Luther’s death in 1546.
What was The Peace of Augsburg, 1555?
• The Peace of Augsburg (1555) brought the war to an end. This treaty stated that each ruler was free to decide the religion of his or her state.
• Catholics living in Lutheran states had to leave, as did Lutherans living in Catholic states.
