Protestant Reformation

Protestant Reformation

1. Nationalism

   • popes prioritized increase in papal power in Italy
   • princes & kings fought against the popes
     • resented popes' control over their territories
     • disliked papal taxes

2. Renaissance

   • ancient civilizations (Rome, Greece, Egypt)
   • turning to God to celebrate human achievements
   • critical thinking, questioning
   • secular activities & building projects over spiritual responsibilities

3. Abuses in the Church

   • corrupt popes abuse power
     • collect papal taxes
     • scheme w/ state leaders
     • sell indulgences & Episcopal offices
   • Christians demanded for reforms

4. Emotionalism & Superstition

   • people believed in items in hopes guarantee their safety
     • relics of saints
     • bizarre penances
     • magical practices
   • people filled w/ fear & dread; rise of emotionalism & superstition
     • Last Judgement images
     • Black Death/Bubonic Plague

5. Strong Personalities

   • strong, forceful leaders
   • influenced many w/ charismatic preaching & intelligent leadership
   • reformers took ideas outside church