Causes of the Protestant Reformation: Why Martin Luther Challenged the Church.

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 📜 Indulgences: The Church sold indulgences, essentially pardons for sins, which Luther strongly opposed. He believed salvation came through faith alone.
• 📌 Ninety-Five Theses: In 1517, Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses, criticizing indulgences and papal authority, marking the start of the Reformation.
• ⛪ Corruption in the Church: Many saw the Church as corrupt, with leaders focused on wealth and power rather than spiritual guidance.
• 🌍 Political Factors: German princes sought to reduce the power of the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor, supporting Luther for political gain.
• ✍️ Luther's Theology: Luther advocated *Sola Scriptura* (Scripture alone), *Sola Fide* (Faith alone), and *Sola Gratia* (Grace alone), challenging core Catholic doctrines.
• 📖 The Printing Press: Gutenberg's printing press allowed Luther's ideas to spread rapidly throughout Europe.
• ⚔️ Peasant's War: While Luther didn't condone it, his teachings inspired social unrest, culminating in the Peasant's War of 1524-1525.

Practice Quiz

1. What was the primary issue Martin Luther addressed in his Ninety-Five Theses?
   1. A. The concept of the Trinity
   2. B. The sale of indulgences
   3. C. The role of the clergy
   4. D. The authority of the Bible
2. What does *Sola Scriptura*, a key tenet of Luther's theology, mean?
   1. A. Faith alone
   2. B. Grace alone
   3. C. Scripture alone
   4. D. Christ alone
3. Which invention significantly aided the spread of Luther's ideas?
   1. A. The telescope
   2. B. The printing press
   3. C. The compass
   4. D. The astrolabe
4. What was a significant political factor contributing to the Reformation?
   1. A. The desire of German princes to reduce papal power
   2. B. The Pope's support for the Holy Roman Emperor
   3. C. The unification of Italy
   4. D. The rise of the Ottoman Empire
5. What did Luther believe was the sole source of authority for Christians?
   1. A. The Pope's decrees
   2. B. Church tradition
   3. C. The Bible
   4. D. The writings of the Church Fathers
6. The Peasant's War (1524-1525) was partially inspired by:
   1. A. The Pope's call for a crusade
   2. B. Luther's teachings on Christian freedom
   3. C. The discovery of new trade routes
   4. D. The invention of gunpowder
7. What was Luther's view on salvation?
   1. A. It could be earned through good works and indulgences.
   2. B. It came through faith alone.
   3. C. It required the Pope's approval.
   4. D. It depended on adherence to Church tradition.