what were the results of the religious upheaval in Europe during the 1500s? How was the church affected?
Thanks
-MC
Read everything you can find on the following
Reformation
Protestant churches
Martin Luther
Here are a few places to start:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant_Reformation
http://motherearthtravel.com/history/germany/history-5.htm
http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&q=protestant+reformation&btnG=Search&as_sdt=0%2C44&as_ylo=&as_vis=0
This article explains the Protestant Reformation very well.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/TUDreformation.htm
thank you guys!
-MC
You're welcome, MC.
The religious upheaval in Europe during the 1500s, commonly known as the Protestant Reformation, had significant consequences and affected the church in several ways. To understand the results, let's break it down into two categories: political and religious.
1. Political Consequences:
- Fragmentation: The Protestant Reformation led to the fragmentation of Christianity, with new Protestant denominations emerging alongside the Roman Catholic Church. This resulted in a division of religious authority and loyalties.
- Wars of Religion: The religious conflict led to numerous wars, such as the German Peasants' War (1524-1525) and the French Wars of Religion (1562-1598). These conflicts were often fought between Protestant and Catholic forces, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
- Shift in Power: The Reformation challenged the authority and power of the Roman Catholic Church and the Papacy. As Protestant leaders gained influence, the political landscape of Europe began to change, with the rise of Protestant kingdoms and the decline of Catholic dominance.
2. Religious Consequences:
- Protestant Churches: The Reformation resulted in the establishment of new Protestant churches, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Anglicanism. These churches emphasized personal faith, the Bible as the ultimate authority, and the priesthood of all believers.
- Religious Pluralism: The emergence of Protestantism led to greater religious diversity in Europe. It allowed for a wider range of beliefs and interpretations, challenging the religious monopoly of the Catholic Church.
- Church Reforms: The Catholic Church, in response to criticisms from Protestant reformers, implemented its own reforms during the Counter-Reformation. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) addressed issues such as corruption, indulgences, and education for clergy.
- Loss of Authority: The Reformation significantly diminished the political and spiritual authority of the Catholic Church. The Papacy's influence decreased, and the religious landscape became more decentralized.
To understand the specific results of the religious upheaval in different regions of Europe, it is important to examine the historical context and the specific actions taken by individuals, rulers, and theologians involved in the Reformation.