Causes of the Reformation

Causes of the Reformation

1. Long-term causes

   • The decline of the church
     • Strong Kings took control
       • Prestige and power of chruch was lessened
     • The Black Death
       • Credibility and reputation damaged
   • Modern period
     • Voyages to explore
       • External influences
         • Church being doubted
       • Renaissance
         • printing press
           • Spreading information without chruch
   • Lollards
     • Declared to follow the bible
     • John Wycliffe
       • Pope isn't Christ's representative

2. Short-term causes

   • Martin Luther
     • Questioned the pope
       • defied emperor and pope
         • listed 95 Theses on the church door
         • Hid at Wartburg Castle
           • Several supporters