Quick Notes: The Reformation

The Importance of the Reformation:

·      Martin Luther stood up for Protestants

·      New sect of Christianity in Europe, and later in the world

·      Inspired Revolutions of America/France

Causes of the Reformation:

·      Challenged authority by emphasizing on the individual

·      Printing press spread his ideas

·      People resented paying taxes to the Church/Pope

·      Renaissance signaled change in Europe

·      Defined the direction of change

Martin Luther:

·      German monk from Wittenberg

·      Disagreed with the practices of the Catholic Church

·      Wanted to reform Catholicism but not reform it, even though he breaks away later

Luther’s Grievances:

·      The sale of indulgences- a grant of salvation

·      God cannot be manipulated

·      Priests illiterate-poor scriptures

·      Priests not allowed to marry

The Church’s Reaction:

·      Luther summoned to Worms

·      Told to recant- threatened with excommunication

·      Refuses

·      Banished from the Kingdom and not allowed to write public works