The Reformation

• The power of the Catholic Church in Europe decreased towards the end of the Medieval Ages. This was due to the intellectual changes caused by the Humanism philosophy of the Renaissance. 
• As people began to have access to printed ideas and were empowered to use their reason because of humanism, Europeans criticized the ways and abuses of the church and its basic teachings. 
• • Indulgence A release from punishment for your sins in exchange for money (offering).
• • Simony The selling of leadership positions in the church to the person with the most money. This was one of the most controversial issues in the medieval church. Taking money for gifts given by the Holy Spirit was seen as a grave sin. 
• Because of the questionable actions and practices of the church, a minority group began to voice out their desire to reform the church, they were known to be the Reformers. The beginning of the Reformation can be traced back to a German monk named Martin Luther.
• Historians usually date the start of the Protestant Reformation to the 1517 publication of Martin Luther’s “95 Theses” nailed in the door of the University of Wittenberg. 
• His “95 Theses,” which propounded two central beliefs that the Bible is the central religious authority and that humans may reach salvation only by their faith and not by their deeds.
• With the Printing Press also developed in Germany, Luther's arguments spread like wildfire across Europe and triggered the Reformation. 
• Luther believed in Man’s salvation according to the 5 Solas
• In 1521, during the Diet of Worms (pronounced Deet of Verms) Martin Luther was called to appear before Charles V to explain and apologize for his ideas. Luther presented his ideas but declined to apologize.
• Sola Gratia - "Grace Alone"
• Charles V excommunicated him from the Catholic Church on June 15, 1521. This event made Luther an instant celebrity throughout Europe.
• After being excommunicated, Luther fled to Warburg Castle where he translated the New Testament into German so ordinary people could read it.
• Soli Scriptura - "Scripture Alone"
• Sola Fide - "Faith Alone"