summarize Luther's Protestant reforms and the church's reactions. explain the reasons behind the spread of Protestantism.
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/web/ninetyfive.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther
http://www.google.com/search?q=spread+of+protestantism&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA
Dont forget the importance of the invention of the printing press, and its wide dissemination during that time. Pamplets were produced cheaply, were widely available, and created a need for folks to learn and cherish reading.
Next time don't procrastinate...get it done early.
The Roman Catholic Church's reactions were collectively known as the Counter Reformation.
Luther's Protestant reforms can be summarized as a movement that questioned the practices and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church in the early 16th century. Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, played a significant role in initiating these reforms. Here are the main aspects of Luther's reforms:
1. Justification by Faith: Luther emphasized that salvation could not be earned through good works or indulgences but was instead obtained through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
2. Priesthood of All Believers: He promoted the idea that all Christians, not just the clergy, had direct access to God and were capable of interpreting the Bible themselves.
3. Vernacular Bible: Luther translated the Bible into German, making it accessible to ordinary people who could now read and interpret scripture on their own.
4. Rejection of Papal Authority: Luther strongly criticized the papacy and believed that it lacked biblical support and had become corrupt.
The church's reactions to Luther's Protestant reforms were predominantly negative. The Catholic Church considered Luther a heretic and attempted to suppress his teachings. The pope issued a series of papal bulls condemning Luther's ideas, most notably the Exsurge Domine in 1520. Luther was ultimately excommunicated from the Catholic Church in 1521.
Now, let's discuss the reasons behind the spread of Protestantism:
1. Corruption in the Catholic Church: During the time of Luther, the Catholic Church was marred by various issues such as the sale of indulgences, simony (buying or selling of church positions), and moral laxity among the clergy. This corruption alienated many people and made them receptive to Luther's critique.
2. Availability of Printed Works: The invention of the printing press in the 15th century facilitated the dissemination of Luther's ideas. Through the printing press, Luther's writings, including his famous Ninety-Five Theses, quickly spread across Europe, leading to the rapid dissemination of Protestant ideas.
3. Nationalism and Political Factors: Some rulers and princes supported the Protestant Reformation as a means to challenge the authority of the Catholic Church and increase their own power. This alliance between political and religious figures contributed to the spread of Protestantism in some regions.
4. Social and Economic Factors: Protestantism appealed to various social groups, including merchants, artisans, and peasants, who felt marginalized or oppressed by the existing religious and social structures. It offered a message of personal salvation and individual freedom, resonating with those seeking change.
It is important to note that the spread of Protestantism was a complex and multifaceted process influenced by a combination of theological, political, social, economic, and technological factors.