The Protestant The Protestant Reformation in GermanyReformation in Germany

Freedom v. AuthorityFreedom v. Authority

Martin's mother, Margarette came from a small but very well-Martin's mother, Margarette came from a small but very well-off family. off family. Despite her soft upbringing, she did her share of the family's workload Despite her soft upbringing, she did her share of the family's workload

but with three children to look after she was a harsh disciplinarian.but with three children to look after she was a harsh disciplinarian. Luther recalled once that Luther recalled once that “for the“for the

sake of stealing a nut, my mothersake of stealing a nut, my motheronce beat me until the blood flowed.”once beat me until the blood flowed.”

Hans also ruled his son with anHans also ruled his son with aniron fist. iron fist. Martin later recalled: Martin later recalled: "my father once"my father once

whipped me so hard I ran away – whipped me so hard I ran away – I hated him until he finally managedI hated him until he finally managedto win me back."to win me back."

Hans had high hopes for his first son Hans had high hopes for his first son and had his heart set on Martin and had his heart set on Martin becoming a lawyer which would becoming a lawyer which would enable the Luthers to climb even enable the Luthers to climb even higher up the social ladder.higher up the social ladder. Young Martin followed his father's Young Martin followed his father's

wishes without protest.wishes without protest. He was sent to the best schools in the He was sent to the best schools in the

area and then to the University of Erfurt.area and then to the University of Erfurt.

In 1505 Hans was devastated to In 1505 Hans was devastated to learn that his son, without consulting learn that his son, without consulting him, had decided to embrace religion him, had decided to embrace religion and had sought admission to the and had sought admission to the house of the Augustinian Hermits in house of the Augustinian Hermits in Erfurt.Erfurt.

Both parents lived to see their Both parents lived to see their son married in 1525 and the birth son married in 1525 and the birth of several grandchildren before of several grandchildren before Hans died in 1530 and Hans died in 1530 and Margarette in 1531.Margarette in 1531.

The Luthers, who were The Luthers, who were disappointed that their son had disappointed that their son had not become a middle-class not become a middle-class lawyer, both witnessed his lawyer, both witnessed his transformation into one of the transformation into one of the most famous and infamous most famous and infamous figures of the medieval world.figures of the medieval world.

The Cast of CharactersThe Cast of CharactersMartin Luther, an obscure German monk. Changed the medieval world and threatened the Catholic Church like no other.

Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor from 1500-1558. Opposed Luther and tried to outlaw him and his followers as heretics.

Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony from 1486-1525. Supported Luther and his teachings. Protected him in his early years so the Reformation had a chance to flourish.

Leo X, one of the most extravagant Popes in history. Made the mistake of not seeing Luther as a threat to the power of the Catholic Church.

Hans and Margarette Luther, pious and hardworking Germans whose son changed the world forever.

Katharine von Bora, Luther’s wife. Luther found peace when he married this ex-nun whom he had helped to escape from a nunnery.

Martin Luther: Driven to DefianceMartin Luther: Driven to Defiance

““I would never have I would never have thought that such a thought that such a storm would rise from storm would rise from Rome over one simple Rome over one simple scrap of paper...”scrap of paper...” -- Martin Luther-- Martin Luther

Martin Luther, an obscure Augustinian monk

Few if any men have changed the course of history Few if any men have changed the course of history like Martin Luther. like Martin Luther.

In less than ten years, this In less than ten years, this dedicated German monk:dedicated German monk: Upset a Church that had Upset a Church that had

ruled for a thousand yearsruled for a thousand years Set in motion a sequence Set in motion a sequence

of revolution, war, and of revolution, war, and conflict that would reshape conflict that would reshape Western civilization and Western civilization and bring it into the Modern bring it into the Modern Era. Era.

Luther’s story is an account of:Luther’s story is an account of: The birth of the modern ageThe birth of the modern age The collapse of medieval feudalismThe collapse of medieval feudalism The beginning of the ideals of freedom and The beginning of the ideals of freedom and

liberty that are at the core of the 21liberty that are at the core of the 21stst century. century.

Martin Luther detail from the Freedom Window War Memorial Chapel Washington Cathedral. (Noted are Moses, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther, Paul Revere and George Washington.)

But it is also an intensely human tale:But it is also an intensely human tale: It is the story of a man who begins his journey in the It is the story of a man who begins his journey in the

depths of despair, triumphs, but turns to despair again when depths of despair, triumphs, but turns to despair again when he is faced with forces he cannot comprehend or control.he is faced with forces he cannot comprehend or control.

As his followers sought to build a new and just Europe As his followers sought to build a new and just Europe around him, he could only turn on them in frustration, around him, he could only turn on them in frustration, declaring that their only goal should be Heaven.declaring that their only goal should be Heaven.

Martin Luther stands as a hero, Martin Luther stands as a hero, the man who built the bridgethe man who built the bridgebetween the Medieval and thebetween the Medieval and theModern. His tragedy was thatModern. His tragedy was thathe would never find thehe would never find thecourage to cross it himself.courage to cross it himself.

Martin Luther was born into a world dominated by the Martin Luther was born into a world dominated by the Catholic Church, which held spiritual authorityCatholic Church, which held spiritual authority over all the nations of Europe. over all the nations of Europe.

For the intensely spiritual Luther, For the intensely spiritual Luther, the Church's promise of salvation the Church's promise of salvation was irresistible. (According to was irresistible. (According to legend, he was caught in a thunder-legend, he was caught in a thunder-storm, terrified by the possibility storm, terrified by the possibility of imminent death, and vowed toof imminent death, and vowed to become a monk.) become a monk.)

But after entering the monastery, But after entering the monastery, Luther became increasingly doubtful Luther became increasingly doubtful that the Church could actually offer him salvation at all. His that the Church could actually offer him salvation at all. His views were upheld by a trip to Rome, where he found that the views were upheld by a trip to Rome, where he found that the capital of Catholicism was laden with corruption.capital of Catholicism was laden with corruption.

"God has given us the Papacy. Let us enjoy it!" – Pope Leo X

Wracked by despair, Luther finally finds release in the pages Wracked by despair, Luther finally finds release in the pages of the Bible, when he discovers that it is not the Church, but of the Bible, when he discovers that it is not the Church, but his own individual faith that will guarantee his salvation:his own individual faith that will guarantee his salvation: Rom 3:28: "Rom 3:28: "We maintain therefore that

a man is justified by faith apart from theworks of the law.""

Rom 5:1-2: "Rom 5:1-2: "Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand….”

Gal 2:15-16: Gal 2:15-16: “We, being Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners, yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we had to become believers in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law.”

Gal 3:11-12: “Gal 3:11-12: “Now that no man is justified by the law before God is evident for ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ The law is not of faith but ‘The man who does them will live by them.’”

The Problem of AuthorityLuther’s discovery uncovered the problem of authority. Is the Bible the sole basis for religious authority (as Luther claimed) or are the Bible and Church tradition the basis for authority (as the Roman Catholic Church claimed)? Here’s how one Protestant denomination today characterizes Luther’s contribution to Reformation theology:

With this revelation, he turns on the With this revelation, he turns on the Church, attacking its practice of Church, attacking its practice of selling Indulgences in the famousselling Indulgences in the famous95 Theses. 95 Theses.

The key points of Luther's thesesThe key points of Luther's theseswere simple, but devastating:were simple, but devastating: A criticism of the Pope's purpose in A criticism of the Pope's purpose in

raising the money: "raising the money: "he is richer than he is richer than Croesus, he would do better to sell St Croesus, he would do better to sell St Peters and give the money to the poor Peters and give the money to the poor people....“people....“

A straightforward concern for his flock: A straightforward concern for his flock: "indulgences are most pernicious because "indulgences are most pernicious because they induce complacency and thereby they induce complacency and thereby imperil salvation."imperil salvation."

Luther was not only a revolutionary thinker, he would also Luther was not only a revolutionary thinker, he would also benefit from a revolutionary technology: the newly invented benefit from a revolutionary technology: the newly invented machinery of printing. machinery of printing. A single pamphlet would be carried from one town to another, where it A single pamphlet would be carried from one town to another, where it

would be duplicated in a further print run of thousands. would be duplicated in a further print run of thousands. Within three months, all Europe was awash with copies of Luther's 95 Within three months, all Europe was awash with copies of Luther's 95

Theses. Theses.

Martin Luther had inadvertentlyMartin Luther had inadvertentlychosen unavoidable conflict withchosen unavoidable conflict with the most powerful institution of the most powerful institution of the day: the Catholic Church. the day: the Catholic Church.

ReformationEurope

(Late 16c)

ReformationEurope

(Late 16c)

Martin Luther: Reluctant RevolutionaryMartin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary

"Here I stand, I can do no other, God help "Here I stand, I can do no other, God help me, Amen..."me, Amen..." -- Martin Luther-- Martin Luther

Pope Leo X, Luther’s Adversary

The Catholic Church brought all its The Catholic Church brought all its considerable power to bear to try considerable power to bear to try and muzzle Luther, including and muzzle Luther, including accusations of heresy and accusations of heresy and excommunication. excommunication.

But protected by his local ruler, But protected by his local ruler, Frederick the Wise, Luther Frederick the Wise, Luther continued:continued: To write ever more radical critiques of To write ever more radical critiques of

the Churchthe Church To develop a whole new system of To develop a whole new system of

faith – one that puts the freedom of the faith – one that puts the freedom of the individual individual believer above the rituals of believer above the rituals of the Church.the Church.

ISSUEMEDIEVAL

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHMARTIN LUTHER

SalvationFaith plus good works required for salvation

Faith alone the basis for salvation

Religious authority Religious authority rests with the Church Bible is the basis for religious authority

Man’s relationship to GodChurch served as intermediary between God and man

Priesthood of all believers (no intermediary required)

Sacraments

Baptism, penance, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders. Extreme Unction

Sacraments, dispensed by the Church, are essential for salvation

Baptism, Holy Eucharist

CommunionTransubstantiation: Process whereby the bread and wine is transformed into the body and blood of Christ

Consubstantiation: Process whereby the bread and wine and the body and blood of Christ are both present

Calling Limited to religious vocationsBroader concept of calling made secular life respectable

Church governmentHierarchical (Pope, cardinals, archbishops, priests, laymen)

Challenged papal authority

Civil government

Church has authority in religious matters; state has authority in temporal matters. If there is a conflict, Church authority takes precedence.

Denied the right of rebellion (e.g., the Peasants Revolt)

DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PROTESTANTS AND CATHOLICS

PROTESTANTS CATHOLICS (COUNCIL OF TRENT)

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH: Christ's sacrifice atones for all sins, and it is only necessary to believe in it to be saved. There is nothing humans can do by their own efforts to add or detract from it.

Both FAITH AND GOOD WORKS (acts of devotion, charity, the sacraments, etc.) are necessary for salvation.

The PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS: All believers have equal access to God and no other earthly intermediaries are needed. This does not mean that the flock does not need teachers, but there are no special sacramental functions belonging to any particular class.

The CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD is necessary as only priests can perform the sacraments necessary for spiritual health and correctly interpret the meaning of scripture.

The SCRIPTURES AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF TRUE DOCTRINE: Studying and understanding the scriptures is therefore important to all believers. Translating the Bible into the vernacular tongues and making it available to all is essential.

SCRIPTURE IS ONLY ONE WAY IN WHICH DOCTRINE IS REVEALED. The decisions of church councils, encyclicals from the Pope, tradition, etc., are all part of it. Only the priesthood of the church can correctly interpret the meaning of scripture. Do not try this at home.

The LORD'S SUPPER IS SYMBOLIC and the body and blood of Christ are not physically present. To believe otherwise is to commit idolatry.

The EUCHARIST IS A MYSTERY in which the sacrifice of Christ is reenacted; the bread and wine become spiritually transformed into the true body and blood of the Lord.

NO HEAVENLY INTERMEDIARIES ARE NEEDED to intercede with God. Although the Virgin Mary, saints, and angels are all in heaven, they should not be the objects of prayer or veneration. The making of images encourages idolatrous worship that should be directed at the more abstract concept of God.

Although the saints and angels should not be worshipped, their INTERCESSION IS VALUABLE AND NECESSARY to helping the Christian to achieve salvation. The Virgin Mary is especially honored by God, and should be also by believers. Religious images should not be worshipped, but they help to inspire devotion. (These fine points were often lost on the average peasant.)

God's foreknowledge and omnipotence mean that EVERYONE IS PREDESTINED TO THEIR FATE: either to be or not to be one of the elect. Human action avails nothing.

GOD'S OMNIPOTENCE DOES NOT RESTRICT HUMAN WILL, and each individual is still responsible for earning their own salvation.

The Bible only documents TWO SACRAMENTS: BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER (so called to distinguish the Protestant practice from the Catholic Eucharist)

There are SEVEN SACRAMENTS: Baptism, Holy Eucharist (see above), Penance (confession/ absolution), Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Extreme Unction (last rites). Of these, Baptism can be performed by anyone in an emergency and marriage (a historical newcomer to the list) is technically bestowed by the two partners on one another. All the rest can only be performed by a priest or bishop

His ideas spread like wildfire, His ideas spread like wildfire, aided by the newly invented aided by the newly invented printing press. printing press.

Finally he was called before the Finally he was called before the German imperial parliament in German imperial parliament in the city of Worms and told he the city of Worms and told he must recant. must recant. Convinced he would not survive Convinced he would not survive

the trip to Worms but with the trip to Worms but with absolute faith he declared: absolute faith he declared: "I am "I am not afraid for God's Will will be not afraid for God's Will will be done and I rejoice to suffer in so done and I rejoice to suffer in so noble a cause.“noble a cause.“

Risking torture and execution, Risking torture and execution, Luther refused to recant and Luther refused to recant and proclaimed his right to believe proclaimed his right to believe what he wished.what he wished.

His stand became a legend His stand became a legend that inspired a continent to that inspired a continent to revolution, overturning the revolution, overturning the thousand-year old domination thousand-year old domination of the Church.of the Church.

But as the reformation But as the reformation expanded into a movement expanded into a movement for social freedom, Luther for social freedom, Luther found himself overwhelmed found himself overwhelmed by the pace of change. His by the pace of change. His theological reformation had theological reformation had become a social revolution.become a social revolution.

The reform movement spread rapidly away The reform movement spread rapidly away from Germany:from Germany: To Switzerland and Holland where Calvin and To Switzerland and Holland where Calvin and

Knox founded societies based on Luther's Knox founded societies based on Luther's principles principles

To England, where it would take a bloody civil To England, where it would take a bloody civil war before Cromwell could establish his war before Cromwell could establish his Protestant democratic stateProtestant democratic state

To the newly discovered lands of America, To the newly discovered lands of America, where the Puritans would found John where the Puritans would found John Winthrop’s “City on a Hill” on Luther's Winthrop’s “City on a Hill” on Luther's foundations of religious freedom.foundations of religious freedom.

But Luther never left his province in But Luther never left his province in Germany again. Germany again. Instead he married an ex-nun named Katharine Instead he married an ex-nun named Katharine

von Bora, whom he had helped to escape from von Bora, whom he had helped to escape from her nunnery, and they had a large family her nunnery, and they had a large family together.together.

Luther was able to devote himself to the Luther was able to devote himself to the simpler pleasures of life: gardening, music, and simpler pleasures of life: gardening, music, and writing.writing.

Luther finally died in the year 1543.Luther finally died in the year 1543. Seized by a crippling heart attack, he held onto Seized by a crippling heart attack, he held onto

his righteousness and rage until the very end.his righteousness and rage until the very end. "When I die,” "When I die,” he said,he said, “I want to be a “I want to be a

ghost...So I can continue to pester the bishops, ghost...So I can continue to pester the bishops, priests and godless monks until that they have priests and godless monks until that they have more trouble with a dead Luther than they more trouble with a dead Luther than they could have had before with a thousand living could have had before with a thousand living ones."ones."

Charles V: Powerful AdversaryCharles V: Powerful Adversary

Charles V decided that extinguishing Luther Charles V decided that extinguishing Luther would leave the Pope without a rival. would leave the Pope without a rival.

Charles V, Luther’s most powerful adversary

At the age of 19, Charles V was the richest and most At the age of 19, Charles V was the richest and most powerful person of his time, but all the power in the world powerful person of his time, but all the power in the world did not stop Martin Luther from challenging his Catholic did not stop Martin Luther from challenging his Catholic empire.empire.

Born in 1500, Charles inherited a vast empire from his Born in 1500, Charles inherited a vast empire from his parents:parents: When his father Philip I died in 1516 Charles inherited control When his father Philip I died in 1516 Charles inherited control

over The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Artois and Franche-over The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Artois and Franche-Comté, and the Free County of Burgundy. Comté, and the Free County of Burgundy.

In 1516 his maternal grandfather Ferdinand II died and he In 1516 his maternal grandfather Ferdinand II died and he inherited Aragon, Navarre, Granada, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, inherited Aragon, Navarre, Granada, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Spanish America, and joint kingship with his mother (who was Spanish America, and joint kingship with his mother (who was insane) over Castile.insane) over Castile.

Then in 1519 when his grandfather Maximilian I died, Charles Then in 1519 when his grandfather Maximilian I died, Charles inherited the Hapsburg lands in Austria and was elected Holy inherited the Hapsburg lands in Austria and was elected Holy Roman emperor.Roman emperor.

EUROPEIN 1519

Boundary of the Holy Roman Empire House of Hapsburg Brandenburg Church lands Bourbon lands

Charles V settled in Germany and sought to become Charles V settled in Germany and sought to become the leader of a universal empire. Through his reign the leader of a universal empire. Through his reign he would face ongoing battles with France, resist the he would face ongoing battles with France, resist the advance of the Ottoman Turks, and fail to check the advance of the Ottoman Turks, and fail to check the Reformation (because of political expediency and Reformation (because of political expediency and inattention).inattention). Like many others, Charles under- Like many others, Charles under-

estimated the dissatisfaction of hisestimated the dissatisfaction of hisCatholic subjects and the influenceCatholic subjects and the influencea humble German monk would a humble German monk would have through his defiant pen.have through his defiant pen.

Despite being a devout Catholic Despite being a devout Catholic Charles V was acutely conscious Charles V was acutely conscious of Papal power and it was in his of Papal power and it was in his interest for the Vatican to be put in its place.interest for the Vatican to be put in its place.

At the Diet of Worms Charles absolutely At the Diet of Worms Charles absolutely opposed Luther but had other things on his opposed Luther but had other things on his mind thus saving Luther from execution as a mind thus saving Luther from execution as a heretic.heretic. Charles was soon preoccupiedCharles was soon preoccupied

by battles with France and theby battles with France and theOttoman Turks and did not Ottoman Turks and did not check the spread of Protest-check the spread of Protest-antism sweeping his Empire.antism sweeping his Empire.

He spent the rest of his life waging war in France, He spent the rest of his life waging war in France, Germany and Spain. It was only after his death in Germany and Spain. It was only after his death in 1558 that a peace treaty was signed with France.1558 that a peace treaty was signed with France.

Charles V, the most powerful man of his time:Charles V, the most powerful man of his time: Failed to achieve his dream of a universal empire, Failed to achieve his dream of a universal empire,

thwarted by the political realities of Western thwarted by the political realities of Western Europe.Europe.

Failed to stop the Reformation and although he Failed to stop the Reformation and although he bitterly opposed the views of Martin Luther he bitterly opposed the views of Martin Luther he never acted against him.never acted against him.

However, he is However, he is remembered today remembered today for his integrity, for his integrity, strength of will, strength of will, and sense of duty.and sense of duty.

Frederick the Wise: Strong AdvocateFrederick the Wise: Strong Advocate

"Time, perhaps, will show if I have been a "Time, perhaps, will show if I have been a good diviner."good diviner." -- Frederick the Wise, 1517-- Frederick the Wise, 1517

Frederick the Wise, Luther’s strong advocate and benefactor

Frederick the Wise is remembered Frederick the Wise is remembered as the man who saved Martin as the man who saved Martin Luther from the fury of the Luther from the fury of the Catholic Church.Catholic Church.

Frederick was born in Hartenfels Frederick was born in Hartenfels Castle, Torgau in 1463, the first Castle, Torgau in 1463, the first son of the Elector Ernst of the son of the Elector Ernst of the House of Wettin. House of Wettin. In 1486 he succeeded his father, In 1486 he succeeded his father,

together with his younger brother together with his younger brother John, as sovereign of Ernestine John, as sovereign of Ernestine Saxony.Saxony.

He was a man of peaceful He was a man of peaceful conciliation and kept his territory out conciliation and kept his territory out of all warfare during his reign.of all warfare during his reign.

In 1502, Frederick founded the University of Wittenberg In 1502, Frederick founded the University of Wittenberg where Martin Luther taught. where Martin Luther taught. During Luther's lifetime WittenbergDuring Luther's lifetime Wittenberg

was the home and intellectual centrewas the home and intellectual centreof the reformation movement.of the reformation movement.

Frederick was a reliable protector ofFrederick was a reliable protector ofthe movement, although only activethe movement, although only activein the background.in the background.

At a crucial period for the early Reformation, Frederick At a crucial period for the early Reformation, Frederick protected Luther from the Pope and the emperor, and took protected Luther from the Pope and the emperor, and took him into custody at Wartburg castle after the Diet of Worms him into custody at Wartburg castle after the Diet of Worms (1521).(1521). This put Luther under the imperial ban. This put Luther under the imperial ban. Frederick’s collection of diplomatic Frederick’s collection of diplomatic

stalling tactics prevented his capture.stalling tactics prevented his capture. Frederick saw Luther as unjustly Frederick saw Luther as unjustly

persecuted because he could not be persecuted because he could not be found guilty of any real crime.found guilty of any real crime.

Wartburg Castle

Frederick, however, had little Frederick, however, had little personal contact with Luther and personal contact with Luther and remained a Catholic, although he remained a Catholic, although he gradually inclined toward the gradually inclined toward the doctrines of the Reformation.doctrines of the Reformation. He formed his own opinion after He formed his own opinion after

listening to his advisers and the listening to his advisers and the opinion of a recognized expert, opinion of a recognized expert, Renaissance humanist Erasmus Renaissance humanist Erasmus von Rotterdam.von Rotterdam.

He died at his hunting lodge in He died at his hunting lodge in Lochau in 1525. Lochau in 1525.

Erasmus von Rotterdam, a northern Renaissance humanist, remained a Catholic and wanted to reform the church from within.

Pope Leo X: Patron of the ArtsPope Leo X: Patron of the Arts "The Church needs a reformation. And this "The Church needs a reformation. And this

cannot be the work of a single man, as the pope – cannot be the work of a single man, as the pope – but it must be that of the whole world."but it must be that of the whole world." – Martin Luther– Martin Luther

Pope Leo X, Luther’s adversary

Pope Leo X was born Giovanni de Medici in Pope Leo X was born Giovanni de Medici in 1475 and raised in Italy's most culturally 1475 and raised in Italy's most culturally sophisticated city, Florence, as part of the sophisticated city, Florence, as part of the prestigious de Medici family:prestigious de Medici family: Renowned patrons of the artsRenowned patrons of the arts Benefactors of scholarshipBenefactors of scholarship Masters of political intrigueMasters of political intrigue

He became one of the He became one of the most extravagant of all most extravagant of all Popes.Popes. He was more a patron of He was more a patron of

the arts, as his parents the arts, as his parents were, than a significant were, than a significant ecclesiastical figure. ecclesiastical figure.

He was a skilful He was a skilful administrator and administrator and became Pope at the age became Pope at the age of 37 in 1513.of 37 in 1513.

Raphael’s portrait of Leo X in the company of two cardinals (1518)

Immediately Leo demonstrated his appreciation Immediately Leo demonstrated his appreciation of art by initiating a massive building project to of art by initiating a massive building project to beautify the Vatican. beautify the Vatican.

The pomp and extravagance of his court was an The pomp and extravagance of his court was an indirect cause of the Reformation.indirect cause of the Reformation. To acquire the enormous sums of money for To acquire the enormous sums of money for

renovation, he encouraged the sale of renovation, he encouraged the sale of "Indulgences." "Indulgences."

These promised to remove These promised to remove the temporal punishment the temporal punishment due to sin after it wasdue to sin after it wasforgiven. forgiven.

In Germany this practice aroused the In Germany this practice aroused the anger of Martin Luther, who issued anger of Martin Luther, who issued ninety-five arguments for church ninety-five arguments for church reform. Luther wrote in his 95 Theses, reform. Luther wrote in his 95 Theses, his criticism of the Church – his criticism of the Church – “why “why doesn't the Pope build the basilica of doesn't the Pope build the basilica of St Peter's out of his own money?”St Peter's out of his own money?” German nobles saw an opportunity to cut German nobles saw an opportunity to cut

off currency flowing to Rome that was off currency flowing to Rome that was very much needed at home, so they very much needed at home, so they backed Luther's cause. backed Luther's cause.

In 1520, Leo issued the papal bull In 1520, Leo issued the papal bull Exsurge DomineExsurge Domine demanding Luther demanding Luther retract 41 of his 95 theses, and after retract 41 of his 95 theses, and after Luther's refusal, excommunicated him.Luther's refusal, excommunicated him.

Some historians believe that Leo never Some historians believe that Leo never really took Luther's movement or his really took Luther's movement or his followers seriously, even until the time followers seriously, even until the time of his death in 1521. They also contend of his death in 1521. They also contend that if he had been more interested in that if he had been more interested in religion than artwork, the Reformation religion than artwork, the Reformation may never have happened.may never have happened.

Pope Leo X was also the Patron of the Pope Leo X was also the Patron of the artist Raphael and granted King Henry artist Raphael and granted King Henry VIII of England the title 'Defender of the VIII of England the title 'Defender of the Faith'. Faith'.

He was the last pope to look at the He was the last pope to look at the papacy as a temporal monarchy. papacy as a temporal monarchy.

Katharine von Bora: Wife & CompanionKatharine von Bora: Wife & Companion

"There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming "There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage."marriage." – Martin Luther– Martin Luther

Katharine von Bora, Luther’s wife

Martin Luther found peace when he Martin Luther found peace when he married an ex-nun named Katharine von married an ex-nun named Katharine von Bora, whom he had helped to escape from Bora, whom he had helped to escape from her nunnery in an empty fish barrel and her nunnery in an empty fish barrel and had taken refuge in Wittenberg.had taken refuge in Wittenberg.

Katharine von Bora was born in 1499, the Katharine von Bora was born in 1499, the daughter of an impoverished nobleman. daughter of an impoverished nobleman. In 1504 she went to the convent school of the In 1504 she went to the convent school of the

Benedictine order in Brehna (near Halle) and Benedictine order in Brehna (near Halle) and entered the convent of Nimbschen, near entered the convent of Nimbschen, near Grimma in 1508.Grimma in 1508.

In 1515 she took her vows and became a nun. In 1515 she took her vows and became a nun. In 1523 she left the convent and ended up in In 1523 she left the convent and ended up in

Wittenberg. Wittenberg.

By June 1525, echoing a trend across By June 1525, echoing a trend across Europe as former nuns and monks Europe as former nuns and monks married, she became Mrs. Martin Luther.married, she became Mrs. Martin Luther.

Katharine was 16 years younger than Martin and Katharine was 16 years younger than Martin and together they had six children. together they had six children. Luther doted on his large family.Luther doted on his large family. He was able to devote himself to the simpler pleasures of He was able to devote himself to the simpler pleasures of

life: music, gardening, and writing.life: music, gardening, and writing. Katharine took over the household, particularly the Katharine took over the household, particularly the

household expenses.household expenses. It is said that Dr. Luther did not haveIt is said that Dr. Luther did not have

a clue about how to run a household. a clue about how to run a household. Katharine also proved herself to be aKatharine also proved herself to be a

good housewife and gardener.good housewife and gardener. Luther's household included:Luther's household included:

His wife and six childrenHis wife and six children One of Katharine's relativesOne of Katharine's relatives Six of Luther's sister's children (after 1529).Six of Luther's sister's children (after 1529). Students to help the family's financial situation.Students to help the family's financial situation.

Causes of the Reformation? Church corruption

Avignon Papacy

Marsilius of Padua Defensor Pacis [Defender of the Peace]

• Attacked papal authority

• The Christian community is the sum of ALL its parts!

Greed of secular leaders 1/3 of Europe church land

Papal need for money indulgences

Printing Press

Martin Luther

ReformationEurope

(Late 16c)

ReformationEurope

(Late 16c)