How did Luther's reliance on the Christian Bible differ from the ideas of Christian humanists and of the Catholic Church?  Luther believed that the only truth was found in the Christian Bible. Humanists believed that reading classical literature could enrich the mind and bring out the finer qualities in people. The Catholic Church felt that reading and studying the Christian Bible was necessary, but that interpretation by the clergy was best.

A Break With the Church

Luther's movement toward a final break: In 1520, Luther challenged the system of sacraments and the celibacy of priests. He was excommunicated in 1521.

The Edict of Worms: Holy Roman emperor Charles V issued the Edict of Worms, making Luther an outlaw within the empire.

Charles V

What did Charles V hope to accomplish at the Council of Worms? 

He wanted to give Luther a fair hearing and thought he could get Luther to give up his new ideas about Christianity.

The Rise of Lutheranism Some German rulers embrace Protestantism: They made Catholic

churches Lutheran.The Peasants' War: In June 1524, German peasants revolt against their

lords.

Why did Luther's ideas spread so quickly? Luther gained the support of many rulers within the Holy Roman Empire who were looking to advance their own policies and their economic situations.

Activity

Write a description examining the reasons that caused Luther's religious movement to become a revolution.

What were some factors that helped Lutheranism survive?

Charles V could not afford to fight the supporters of Lutheranism because of other demands on his army. In Germany's many states, support was split between the Holy Roman Empire and Lutherans.

Martin Luther

After the Edict of Worms, Luther and his followers were under constant threat of military action by Catholic forces. In 1546, Charles V felt that he had the backing to wage war against the major Lutheran territories and cities. However, Charles was also waging war against other groups and overextended himself. Without opposition, Lutheranism quickly spread into other countries. In 1555, Charles was forced to give formal recognition to Lutheran churches in the Holy Roman Empire. After the Peace of Augsburg, Lutherans gained legal recognition as the rulers of countries declared Lutheranism the official religion. This left the Lutheran churches in these principalities free to develop without political and military threats.

Use your book and locate maps of Europe before 1517 and after the

Peace of Augsburg in 1555.

What do the maps suggest about the effect of the Protestant Reformation on politics?

Not only did the Reformation change religious affiliations; it also led to the formation of new states and dissolved bonds of allegiance among others.