Protestant Revolt
The Protestant Reformation
involved a series of religious controversies
and bloody wars which swept away the
universality of the Church.
The Evidence
Martin Luther
95 Theses
Charles V
Diet Worms
Peasant Revolt of 1524-25
Schleitheim Confession
Marburg Colloquy
Ulrich Zwingli
Diet of Augsburg
Schmalkaldic League
John Calvin
Jesuits
Peace of Augsburg
Council of Trent
The Protestant Revolt had its roots in the medieval past when
a series of events starting with the Babylonian Captivity, the
Great Schism, and the Councilor Movement embarrassed the
Church and undermined the position of the Papacy.
 This slide was accelerated by a number of Renaissance popes
who were more concerned with secular pursuits than needed
reforms in the Church.
 There were also lingering political, economic, social, and
intellectual forces emerging, which created an environment
suitable for rebellion.
– The rise of national monarchs,
– the rise of an educated and wealthy commercial class,
– and a spirit of worldliness and individualism
 The Universal Church no longer suited the Europe.
 Martin Luther’s call to reform ignited these forces and
produced the Protestant Revolt.
