Chapter 12: The Renaissance & Reformation The Reformation

The major goal of humanism in northern Europe was to reform Christendom.  Main Ideas The Protestant Reformation Martin Luther’s religious reforms led to the emergence of Protestantism. 

The major goal of humanism in northern Europe was to reform Christendom. 

Martin Luther’s religious reforms led to the emergence of Protestantism. 

“ I do not accept the authority of popes and councils… my conscience is captive to the word of God. …Here I stand and I can not do otherwise. God help me. Amen. ” – Martin Luther April 18 th , 1521

The Protestant Reformation Christian humanists believed in the ability of human beings to reason and improve themselves .  They wanted to reform the Catholic Church.  This reform would occur through developing inner piety , or religious feeling, based on studying the works of Christianity – not rules & rituals .

Christian humanists believed in the ability of human beings to reason and improve themselves . 

They wanted to reform the Catholic Church. 

This reform would occur through developing inner piety , or religious feeling, based on studying the works of Christianity – not rules & rituals .

Erasmus and Christian Humanism The best known Christian humanist was Desiderius Erasmus.  He developed what he called “the philosophy of Christ,” meant to show people how to live good lives on a daily basis rather than how to achieve salvation. 

The best known Christian humanist was Desiderius Erasmus. 

He developed what he called “the philosophy of Christ,” meant to show people how to live good lives on a daily basis rather than how to achieve salvation. 

“ Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched.” In his 1509 work The Praise of Folly , he especially criticized the monks. He did not wish to break from the church, just reform it.

In his 1509 work The Praise of Folly , he especially criticized the monks.

Background to the Reformation

Between 1450 and 1520 a series of popes failed to meet the Church’s spiritual needs.  They were more concerned with the political interests of the Papal States.  Julius II , the “warrior-pope,” even led armies against his enemies.  Many people were disgusted with him and the Catholic Church. Religion on the Eve of the Reformation

Between 1450 and 1520 a series of popes failed to meet the Church’s spiritual needs. 

They were more concerned with the political interests of the Papal States. 

Julius II , the “warrior-pope,” even led armies against his enemies. 

Many people were disgusted with him and the Catholic Church.

Church Corruption

Church officials seemed ignorant of their spiritual duties, especially instructing the faithful on achieving: salvation – acceptance into Heaven.  As a result, obtaining salvation became almost mechanical; by collecting relics, for example.  Venerating a saint could gain an indulgence –release from all or part of punishment for sin–according to the Church of the time. Religion on the Eve of the Reformation

Church officials seemed ignorant of their spiritual duties, especially instructing the faithful on achieving: salvation – acceptance into Heaven. 

As a result, obtaining salvation became almost mechanical; by collecting relics, for example. 

Venerating a saint could gain an indulgence –release from all or part of punishment for sin–according to the Church of the time.

Indulgences

Johann Tetzel’s Slogan: “ As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs!”

“ As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs!”

Martin Luther - Germany

95 Theses: Posted them to the door Reform topics for debate