Chapter 11 – The age of reformation

1. Chapter 11 – The age of reformation Part II October 6, 2009

2. The Age of Reformation • In the 1520’s, a powerful religious movement began in Saxony in Germany. • It spread rapidly throughout northern Europe • It affected society, politics and the spiritual lives of men and women • It was a broad revolt against the superstitions on the medieval church.

3. Society and Religion • The Protestant Reformation took place at a time of sharp conflict with the newly emerging nation-states. • These nation-states were looking for conformity and centralization. • Many of the towns were concerned about the loss of local authority and looked to the reformation as an ally against the loss of their power

4. Society and Religion • The reformation broke out first in the imperial free cities of Germany and Switzerland. • The protestant movement attracted followers from different areas: • Economically prosperous members of local guilds • Those with a history of opposition to the encroaching government authority of nation-states • People who felt bullied or pushed around by government

5. Imperial Distractions – War with France and the Turks • The Reformation was helped greatly by the emperor’s war with France and the ottoman Turks. • He sought friendly relations with German Princes • He allowed the German Princes to enforce the Edict of Worms against Luther • This basically gave each ruler territorial sovereignty in religious matters.

6. How the Reformation Spread • The Reformation passed from the hands of theologians into the hands of rulers • They began to change reform from merely slogans to laws which must be obeyed. • This began the politicization of religious reform.

7. The Peasants’ Revolt • The German Peasantry looked to Luther as a natural ally. • Peasants opposed the encroaching power of their overlords in trampling their ancient rights and installing new territorial laws and taxes • They wanted a freedom from serfdom

8. The Peasants’ Revolt • Luther initially sympathized with the peasants. • But he drew the line at supporting a time where his religious movement became intertwined with a political movement • When the peasants revolted in 1524, they were shocked when Luther urged the princes to crush the revolt mercilessly. • Between 70,000 and 100,000 peasants were killed or executed. (Picture page 362)

9. The Reformation Elsewhere • Zwingli and the Swiss Reformation • Discussion….page 366! • Discussion of differences in the Eucharist • Luther vs. Zwingli • Anabaptists and Radical Protestants • Anabaptists believed that only a thoughtful consenting adult could enter the covenant of faith • John Calvin and the Genevan Reformation