The Reformation Begins

The Reformation Begins

Northern Europeans (specifically German Nobility) began challenging the church

John Wycliffe

• Professor at Oxford
• Challenged the privilege of clergy and the Eucharist
• His writings were banned, his body was burned (posthumously in 1428)

Jan Hus

• From Czech
• Influenced by John Wycliffe
• Said people should not follow the words of the Pope and cardinals if it went against scripture
• Declared a heretic, and was burned at the stake in 1414

Martin Luther

• From Saxony
• Quit law school to become a monk
• Took a stand against the Church with his 95 Theses in 1517

95 Theses

• Challenged the sale of Indulgences
• Believed salvation came through faith alone
• The Bible is the Ultimate Authority
• All humans equal before God

Martin Luther (legend says) nailed his 95 Theses to the door of All Saint's Church in Wittenberg, Germany

Luther was then summonsed to recant, but refused after 3 days of debate.

Luther was excommunicated from the Church, and forced into hiding

Holy Roman Emperor Charles V issues Edict of Worms, which forbid any support of Luther

This leads to the birth of the Protestant Church

People who follow Luther and his philosophy are called Lutherans

Calvinists

John Calvin

• Geneva, Switzerland
• Radical Reformer; expanded the Protestant church
• Predestination
• Faith revealed by living righteous life
• work ethic very important