European Reformation: Causes, Religious Transformation, and Legacy
Lesson Overview
- Looting and Vandalization of Rome (Sack of Rome 1527)
- Definition of Indulgence in European History
- Meaning of Simony in European History
- Meaning of Annul in European History
- John Calvin's Belief in Predestination in European History
- Jewish Ghettos in Venice in European History
- Meaning of "Sola Fide" in European History
- Spread of Lutheranism in European History
- Role and Loyalty of Jesuits in European History
- Act of Supremacy in European History
This lesson defines key European history concepts and explains events and ideas related to the Reformation and religious change in the 16th century.
Looting and Vandalization of Rome (Sack of Rome 1527)
The Sack of Rome in 1527 was when imperial troops looted and damaged the city, marking a turning point in European history. This event weakened the power of the Catholic Church and showed the political instability of the time.
Example: In 1527, soldiers entered Rome, stealing valuables and destroying churches. This shocked Europe and damaged the Pope's influence.
Quick Tip: Remember the Sack of Rome as a symbol of religious and political chaos in Europe during the 1500s.
Definition of Indulgence in European History
An indulgence was a pardon granted by the Catholic Church that reduced the punishment for sins. People believed buying indulgences could lessen time in purgatory. This practice caused major controversy and helped trigger the Reformation.
Example: A person could donate money to the Church to receive an indulgence that forgave sins and shortened their afterlife punishment.
Quick Tip: Think of indulgences as "forgiveness certificates" sold by the Church, which many opposed.
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Meaning of Simony in European History
Simony is the practice of buying or selling church offices or positions. It was common in the Middle Ages and seen as corrupt because church roles were sold rather than earned spiritually.
Example: A wealthy person might pay money to become a bishop, rather than being chosen for religious merit.
Quick Tip: Link simony with corruption in the church's leadership.
Meaning of Annul in European History
Annul means to declare something, especially a marriage, legally invalid, as if it never happened. Unlike divorce, annulment says the marriage was never valid.
Example: A marriage annulled due to fraud means legally it never existed.
Quick Tip: Annulment erases a marriage's legal status from the start.
John Calvin's Belief in Predestination in European History
Predestination is the belief that God has already decided who will be saved or condemned. Calvin taught that salvation was predetermined and people could not change it.
Example: Calvinists believed their fate was set before birth, and faith alone showed who was chosen.
Quick Tip: Predestination means your salvation is decided by God, not by your actions.
Jewish Ghettos in Venice in European History
In 1516, Jews in Venice were forced to live in ghettos-segregated areas limiting their freedom. Ghettos were used to isolate Jewish communities socially and economically.
Example: The Venetian ghetto restricted where Jews could live and work, reflecting discrimination.
Quick Tip: Ghettos show how minorities were segregated in European cities.
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Meaning of "Sola Fide" in European History
"Sola Fide" means "by faith alone," a Protestant belief that faith, not works, saves a person. Martin Luther emphasized this against Catholic views requiring faith and good deeds.
Example: Luther taught that trusting in God was enough for salvation, without needing to perform good works.
Quick Tip: Sola Fide focuses on faith, not actions, for salvation.
Spread of Lutheranism in European History
Lutheranism grew because people saw it as a solution to Catholic Church corruption, like selling indulgences and simony. It offered direct access to faith and scripture.
Example: Many accepted Lutheranism to reject corrupt church practices and follow biblical teachings.
Quick Tip: Lutheranism started as a protest against church corruption.
Role and Loyalty of Jesuits in European History
Jesuits were a Catholic order loyal to the Pope, focused on education, missionary work, and defending Catholic doctrine during the Counter-Reformation.
Example: Jesuits founded schools and spread Catholicism worldwide to counter Protestantism.
Quick Tip: Jesuits combined strict religious loyalty with education and missions.
Act of Supremacy in European History
The Act of Supremacy (1534) made the English king the head of the Church of England, breaking away from the Pope's authority.
Example: King Henry VIII passed the Act to divorce and control the church in England.
Quick Tip: The Act marked England's break from the Catholic Church.
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