Protestant reformation

Protestant Reformation

The Protestant Reformation (pronounced: proh-tes-tant ree-for-may-shun) was a major 16th century European movement aimed initially at reforming the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Its religious aspects were supplemented by ambitious political rulers who wanted to extend their power and control at the expense of the Church.

Etymology

The term "Protestant Reformation" is derived from the Latin word 'protestari' meaning 'declare publicly, testify, protest' and the Latin word 'reformatio' meaning 'a making new, alteration'. The term was coined to describe the religious, political, intellectual and cultural upheaval that splintered Catholic Europe.

History

The Protestant Reformation began in 1517 when a German monk, Martin Luther, published his 95 Theses as a response to the selling of indulgences by the Catholic Church. This act is often considered the start of the Reformation, and the culmination of tensions which had been brewing for many years.

Impact

The Reformation resulted in a religiously divided Europe, leading to a series of wars known as the Wars of Religion. It also led to the establishment of Protestant churches and the decline of the political and religious power of the Papacy.

Related Terms

• Martin Luther: A German professor of theology, composer, priest, monk, and a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation.
• Indulgences: In the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, an indulgence is "a way to reduce the amount of punishment one has to undergo for sins".
• Papacy: The office and jurisdiction of the bishop of Rome, the Pope.
• Wars of Religion: A series of religious wars in Europe, following the onset of the Protestant Reformation in Western Europe.

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