How did Luther's reliance on the Christian Bible differ from the ideas of Christian humanists and of the Catholic
Church?
Luther believed that the only truth was found in the Christian Bible. Humanists
believed that reading classical literature could enrich the mind and bring out the
finer qualities in people. The Catholic Church felt that reading and studying the
Christian Bible was necessary, but that interpretation by the clergy was best.
A Break With the Church
Luther's movement toward a final
break: In 1520, Luther challenged the
system of sacraments and the celibacy of
priests. He was excommunicated in 1521.
The Edict of Worms: Holy Roman
emperor Charles V issued the Edict of
Worms, making Luther an outlaw within the
empire.
Charles V
What did Charles V hope to accomplish
at the Council of Worms?
He wanted to give Luther a fair hearing and
thought he could get Luther to give up his
new ideas about Christianity.
The Rise of Lutheranism
Some German rulers embrace Protestantism: They made Catholic
churches Lutheran.
The Peasants' War: In June 1524, German peasants revolt against their
lords.
Why did Luther's ideas spread so quickly?
Luther gained the support of many rulers within the Holy Roman
Empire who were looking to advance their own policies and their
economic situations.
Activity
Write a description examining the reasons
that caused Luther's religious movement to
become a revolution.
What were some factors that
helped Lutheranism survive?
Charles V could not afford to fight the
supporters of Lutheranism because of other
demands on his army. In Germany's many
states, support was split between the Holy
Roman Empire and Lutherans.
Martin Luther
After the Edict of Worms, Luther and his followers were
under constant threat of military action by Catholic forces.
In 1546, Charles V felt that he had the backing to wage
war against the major Lutheran territories and cities.
However, Charles was also waging war against other
groups and overextended himself.
Without opposition, Lutheranism quickly spread into other
countries. In 1555, Charles was forced to give formal
recognition to Lutheran churches in the Holy Roman
Empire.
After the Peace of Augsburg, Lutherans gained legal
recognition as the rulers of countries declared Lutheranism
the official religion. This left the Lutheran churches in
these principalities free to develop without political and
military threats.
Use your book and locate maps of
Europe before 1517 and after the
Peace of Augsburg in 1555.
What do the maps suggest about the effect of
the Protestant Reformation on politics?
Not only did the Reformation change religious
affiliations; it also led to the formation of new
states and dissolved bonds of allegiance among
others.