Reformation basicsReformation basics
Major reform of Western ChristianityMajor reform of Western Christianity Limit wealth and power of clergy and bishopsLimit wealth and power of clergy and bishops Educate clergy and laypeopleEducate clergy and laypeople Break down division between clergy and laypeopleBreak down division between clergy and laypeople
Questioned basic doctrinesQuestioned basic doctrines Authority of churchAuthority of church How salvation is mediated: through church and sacraments?How salvation is mediated: through church and sacraments? Relationship of church and stateRelationship of church and state Importance of individual conscienceImportance of individual conscience
Inspired Catholic (“counter”) Reformation, JesuitsInspired Catholic (“counter”) Reformation, Jesuits Established new churchesEstablished new churches
Protected by state; contributed to rising nationalismProtected by state; contributed to rising nationalism Beginnings of modern critique of religionBeginnings of modern critique of religion
Questioned religious authority; promoted individual conscienceQuestioned religious authority; promoted individual conscience
Basics, cont.Basics, cont.
When?When? Beginning 1517 (Luther’s 95 Theses)Beginning 1517 (Luther’s 95 Theses)
Where?Where? Esp. in Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, EnglandEsp. in Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, England
Why did it catch on?Why did it catch on? Aided by political protectors like Prince FrederickAided by political protectors like Prince Frederick Aided by printing press (1450), caught public’s attentionAided by printing press (1450), caught public’s attention
TypesTypes Magisterial: protected by magistrates/state officials; Magisterial: protected by magistrates/state officials;
Lutheran and ReformedLutheran and Reformed Radical: broader critique and not protected by state; Radical: broader critique and not protected by state;
AnabaptistsAnabaptists Catholic: reformed practices and clarified doctrine; Council Catholic: reformed practices and clarified doctrine; Council
of Trentof Trent
What needed reform?What needed reform?
Ground levelGround level Elaborate sacramental system mediated, obscured contact with GodElaborate sacramental system mediated, obscured contact with God
Eucharist: seen, usually not received (bells at Mass, “hocus pocus”)Eucharist: seen, usually not received (bells at Mass, “hocus pocus”) Indulgences, relicsIndulgences, relics Christ feared as Judge, Mary seen as mercifulChrist feared as Judge, Mary seen as merciful
Clergy and religious had much greater spiritual status than laityClergy and religious had much greater spiritual status than laity ClergyClergy
Not necessarily educated or studied in scripturesNot necessarily educated or studied in scriptures BishopsBishops
Positions connected with land and wealthPositions connected with land and wealth Did not always live in diocese; not connected with peopleDid not always live in diocese; not connected with people
PapacyPapacy 2, then 3 popes (1378-1415): really infallible?2, then 3 popes (1378-1415): really infallible? Conciliarism never took hold in 1400sConciliarism never took hold in 1400s Fighting with political rulers over ultimate powerFighting with political rulers over ultimate power Very decadent Renaissance popes: opulent wealth, kids, mistressesVery decadent Renaissance popes: opulent wealth, kids, mistresses
Martin Luther (1483-1546)Martin Luther (1483-1546) Monk, Bible professorMonk, Bible professor Key years: 1517-1521 Key years: 1517-1521
(excommunication)(excommunication) Personal breakthrough: cannot Personal breakthrough: cannot
earn salvationearn salvation Theology of the time: “Do what is Theology of the time: “Do what is
in you”in you” Luther: what is in you is never Luther: what is in you is never
good enough for a perfect Godgood enough for a perfect God Therefore, salvation is pure gift Therefore, salvation is pure gift
from Godfrom God Scripture, grace, faith are Scripture, grace, faith are
centralcentral Critiques church authority and Critiques church authority and
mediationmediation