Protestant Reformation (1517)

Question 1

Who initiated the Protestant reformation and who did they challenge?

Answer 1

Martin Luther and John Calvin challenge the ideas of the Roman Catholic Church

Question 2

What were the main Protestant denominations which emerged during reform?

Answer 2

Lutherans, Calvinists and Anabaptists

Question 3

What is ‘sola scriptura’ and what did it mean/do?

Answer 3

The idea of scripture alone, emphasizing bible authority without need for Church intervention

Question 4

What did the multiple interpretations of biblical texts lead to?

Answer 4

Creation of many ‘Protestant sects’ who held different beliefs around theology, governance and worship

Question 5

What did Lutherans believe as opposed to Calvinists?

Answer 5

Justification by faith alone

Question 6

What did Calvinists believe as opposed to Lutherans?

Answer 6

Predestination- everything that happens has already been determined by God

Question 7

What two things did the development of multiple Protestant sects lead to?

Answer 7

A lack of cohesion among Protestants and the undermining of the bible’s ability to unify

Question 8

Why did rulers side with either Catholicism OR Protestantism and what occurred as a result?

Answer 8

To legitimize their authority, sparking a series of religio-political conflicts

Question 9

When were the French Wars of Religion and who were they between?

Answer 9

1562-1598 between Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants)

Question 10

When was the Thirty Years War and why does it matter?

Answer 10

1618-1648 and despite being years later, was influenced by these old tensions.

Question 11

What does William T Cavanaugh’s theory suggest?

Answer 11

Wars of religion were driven by power struggle and social, political and economic factors, not just solely religious.

Question 12

When was the Enlightenment and why was it relevant to the reformation?

Answer 12

17th and 18th Century. The chaos and suffering during religious war caused people to question the validity of religion/faith and look to scientific inquiry’s of life (secular ideology)

Question 13

What corruption and abuse was prevalent in the Catholic Church, prior to reform?

Answer 13

The selling of indulgences, accumulation of wealth by church officials and clerical immorality

Question 14

How did Renaissance Humanism cause reform?

Answer 14

Encouraged study of biblical texts, encouraging sola scriptura and challenge of Church authority

Question 15

What undermined the Catholic Church’s role as ‘scripture interpreter?’

Answer 15

Sola Scriptura (theory encouraged heavily by Martin Luther)

Question 16

Other than religious benefit, what were some other reasons people challenged the Pope’s authority?

Answer 16

People could seize church land and wealth to enhance power.

Question 17

Why was Europe religiously divided even after reform?

Answer 17

Due to the divided Christian community. There was a rise in Protestant sects and a continued dominance of Catholicism

Question 18

Which two conflicts were fueled by reformation?

Answer 18

French Wars of religion and the Thirty Years War

Question 19

What cultural and social changes occurred post-reform?

Answer 19

The Protestant emphasis on literacy and education prompted personal bible reading, in turn, promoting secular ideology and better access to education.

Question 20

What did the chaos and devastation of the religious wars do?

Answer 20

Led to the desire for a more secular approach to governance.