So . . . what is Protestanism?
Protestanism is defined as: "any of several church denominations denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the Reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth"
Basically, Protestanism any religion that is not Catholic. It is the belief that faith in God alone brings salvation; good works does not get someone into Heaven. The Bible is has final authority, not a Priest.
Basically, Protestanism any religion that is not Catholic. It is the belief that faith in God alone brings salvation; good works does not get someone into Heaven. The Bible is has final authority, not a Priest.
How did Martin Luther begin Protestanism and start the Protestant Reformation?
Martin disagreed with the practises of the Catholic Church, so he nailed 95 theses (or ideas) to the door of the Wittenberg Church, outlining abuses that he saw within the Catholic Church. These abuses include indulgences* and purgatory.
*Indulgences ~ the full or partial remission of sins; past and future. They could apparently also forgive the sins of dead relatives. Indulgences cost money and they were authorized by the Pope.
*Indulgences ~ the full or partial remission of sins; past and future. They could apparently also forgive the sins of dead relatives. Indulgences cost money and they were authorized by the Pope.
The Reaction
After Luther nailed the Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church, there was quite an uproar from the Catholic community.
- Pope Leo X sent envoys to Germany to persuade Martin Luther to withdraw his criticisms. He would not.
- The pope issued a statement condemning Luther and his works.
- Luther was excommunicated from the church.
- Luther, condemned as a heretic and outlaw was hidden in a castle in Wartburg.
- There he translated the Bible into German so the common folk could read and understand the Bible.
How and where did Protestanism spread?
Because of the invention of the printing press by Gutenberg,
Luther's ideas were spread quickly throughout surrounding European countries.
Luther's ideas were spread quickly throughout surrounding European countries.