The Protestant Reformation

1
The Protestant Reformation

• In this lesson, students will be able to define
  the following terms
• Indulgences
• Martin Luther
• Ninety-five Theses
• Excommunication
• Protestants

2
During the Middle Ages, Catholics could buy
indulgences.
3
Indulgences

• An indulgence was a pardon for committing a sin.
• A Catholic could purchase an indulgence to reduce
  his time in purgatory.
• Purgatory was a place where those who died were
  temporarily punished for their sins.

4
Martin Luther was a German priest. He was
strongly opposed to the sale of indulgences.
5
Martin Luther

• Martin Luther was a Catholic priest.
• He called for reforms within the Roman Catholic
  Church.
• In 1517, he posted his ninety-five theses on a
  church door in Germany. He criticized the Church
  for indulgences.

6
Martin Luther believed that faith alone could
save a person.
7
Faith Alone

• Martin Luther questioned the Catholic Churchs
  power to save a man from Hell.
• He believed that only through personal faith in
  Jesus Christ could a person be saved.
• Luther challenged the power of the Roman Catholic
  Church.

8
When Luther refused to recant his statements, the
Pope excommunicated him.
9
Excommunication

• When Luther refused to recant his statements, the
  Pope excommunicated Luther.
• An excommunicated Catholic cannot participate
  fully in Church sacraments.
• It is the most serious penalty that the Church
  can inflict.

10
Fortunately for Luther, German princes protected
him and he was able to start his own church.
11
German Princes

• German princes protected Luther because they were
  tired of the power of the Catholic Church.
• Given protection, Luther was not burned at the
  stake and was able to start his own church.
• Protestants were individuals who had protested
  against the power and beliefs of the Roman
  Catholic Church.

12
The invention of the printing press in 1455 by
Johann Gutenberg helped Luther. The printing
press allowed books to be manufactured faster and
cheaper. Ideas spread.
13
The Printing Press

• The printing press made it possible to
  manufacture books quickly.
• With increased production, books were cheaper and
  easier to acquire.
• Gutenbergs invention helped Luther spread his
  ideas.

14
Questions for Reflection

• What were indulgences?
• Why was Martin Luther opposed to the sale of
  indulgences?
• Why did Roman Catholic Church officials respond
  to Luthers ninety-five theses with the eventual
  excommunication of Luther?
• Why did German princes protect Luther?
• How did the invention of the printing press help
  Protestants?