The Reformation Flashcards
What was the state of Christianity in Europe up until 1517?
There was one Christian Church in Europe: The Catholic Church.
What role did the Catholic Church play in society before the Reformation?
The Church controlled education, decided who would be educated, and created all books by handwriting.
They were also advisors to everyone and spread Europes kings and queens messages down to the people
What were some abuses of power by church leaders?
- Simony
- Nepotism
- Pluralism
- Absenteeism
- Ignorance
Define Simony.
The buying or selling of church positions.
Define Nepotism.
The practice of those with power giving jobs to their friends/relatives.
What is Pluralism in the context of the Catholic Church?
When a priest held more than one official title at a time.
What is Absenteeism in relation to priests?
Many priests did not live in their parish/diocese.
What is Ignorance in the context of clergy education?
Many clergymen were poorly educated and could not teach their people properly.
What were indulgences?
Strips of thick paper sold by the Church to people wanting assurance of going to heaven.
What was the famous saying related to indulgences?
When the coin in the coffer sings, then the soul to heaven springs.
Who was Martin Luther?
A German Catholic monk who protested against the abuses of power in the Church in 1517.
What did Martin Luther do in response to the Church’s abuses?
He wrote down all the things he thought were wrong in the Church.
(95 Theses)
What were Martin Luther’s beliefs regarding marriage?
He believed priests should be allowed to marry and couples should be able to get a divorce and remarry.
What did Martin Luther think about taxation to the Pope?
He thought that kings should not pay taxes to the Pope.
Why couldn’t ordinary people read the Bible before Martin Luther’s reforms?
The Bible was written in Latin.
What are the 95 Theses?
A list of 95 changes Martin Luther wanted to make in the church
Where did Martin Luther post the 95 Theses?
On the front door of the local Catholic Church in Wittenberg
What significant movement did Martin Luther’s actions initiate?
The Reformation
What does the term ‘Reformation’ mean?
To change something
What church did Martin Luther establish?
The Lutheran Church
What was the Catholic Church’s reaction to Martin Luther?
They were angry but could not arrest him due to his support
What ultimate action did the Pope take against Martin Luther?
Excommunicated him from the church
What was the significance of excommunication in the 1500s?
It was considered a punishment because people believed membership was necessary to reach heaven
Excommunication = hell
In which country did Martin Luther’s ideas eventually reach the King?
England
What impact did Martin Luther’s ideas have on England, Scotland, and Ireland?
They plunged these regions into a conflict that continues today
Fill in the blank: Martin Luther used the _______ to spread his ideas.
printing press
True or False: The Reformation only resulted in the establishment of the Lutheran Church.
False
What did other people do after Martin Luther established the Lutheran Church?
Created new branches of Protestantism with new names
