The European Renaissance: Protestant and Counter Reformations
1.0 The Beginning
The Protestant Reformation began in Europe in 1517 with the actions of Martin Luther who nailed his Ninety Five Theses to the wall of the Wittenberg Castle Church. The nailing of the Theses served as the catalyst that started the Protestant Reformation.
2.0 The Ninety-Theses
The Ninety-Five Theses displayed Luther’s feelings with Church selling indulgences or forgiveness as an economic transaction. Instead of making a confession and restoring what was damaged (human relationships.) Indulgences could be bought for cash. In addition to indulgences members of the Church could donate holy relics to get 100 more days in purgatory.
3.0 Beliefs of Protestant Reformers
Protestant Reformers believed justification by faith alone, scripture alone (not by works), and priesthood to all believers (meaning that a believer could directly communicate to God.) In addition to these beliefs, Protestants did not agree with the Church’s devotion to the Virgin Mary and the saints. A reason for the uprising and spread of Protestant belief was the dissenters’ unhappiness with the moral corruption in the church.
4.0 Counter Reformation (Catholic Reformation)
The Counter Reformation was a term used by the non-catholic. The Counter Reformation started with the Council of Trent which was a commission of high ranking men in the Catholic Church. The council addressed the issues of corrupt bishops and priests, and indulgences. The council denounced Protestant beliefs and continued to upheld the Catholic belief in salvation by grace though faith and works (protestants believe that faith is enough). The council reaffirmed that the indulgences, praise and honor of relics, saints, and the Virgin Mary were needed. Overall, the Counter Reformation led to a better Catholic administration.
References
Counter Reformation. (2007, November 11). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 16, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter_Reformation
Protestant Reformation. (2007, November 13). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 13 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant_Reformation
The 95 Theses. (2007, November 11). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 12, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_95_Theses