The Religious Authority Of The Catholic Church - 917 Words

Martin Luther, named the father of Protestantism, dramatically changed Christianity through his force of will and new ideas. In 16th century Europe, Catholicism was undeniably the most powerful and influential religions in Europe. Moreover, the church had become greatly involved in the political and social life of Western Europe. This was until the Protestant Reformation began, which challenged the Church not only in it’s hierarchy, practices, and biblical interpretations, but also the widespread following of Catholicism throughout Europe. Many saw this as a threat to the whole structure of society, especially the power of the Roman Catholic Church. The abuse of power such as the sale of indulgences, relics, and the corruption of the ministry undermined the religious authority of the Roman Catholic Church. As protests against the Church began to occur, many individuals would rise to prominence and would lead the Reformation. Martin Luther and seven other theologists opened ne w discussions on spirituality and faith, which spread Protestantism throughout Europe. Their main goal was to return Christianity to its roots, focusing on understanding the teachings of the bible, and less on material things such as relics and indulgences. The Reformation was a significant event in religion because it allowed for religious freedom and even caused a separation of powers in the religious world. In the process, many other historical milestones where achieved such as, the 95 theses andShow MoreRelated Christianity Essay1617 Words   |  7 Pagessocial, political, and religious changes. One common theme throughout The Middle Ages consisted of the relationship between the Church and the State. The Catholic church during this era held a prominent role in society, and it had an abundant amount of power and authority during this time. The Catholic Church exercised its authority in many different stages, in which a response from the people occurred because of the way the Church showed its power. The nature of the Catholic Church began its reformRead MoreThe Reformation Of The Catholic Church1271 Words   |  6 PagesJackson Dukes Mr. Levy B3 3 March 2017 Killer Catholics Though millions of Catholics were brainwashed by higher-ranking church officials through cynical, selfish teachings, the reformation of the Catholic Church saved an immeasurable amount of lives by gaining religious freedom in Europe. I. Brainwashed Catholics A. Forced to work as slaves to church 1. Expected to work for free 2. Never taught any differently B. Forced to pay tithes 1. Rich people bribed 2. Relics as tribute C. Burned atRead MoreAugustine And Two Fathers Of The Greek Church1702 Words   |  7 PagesAugustine, and two Fathers of the Greek Church, St. Athanasius and St. Chrysostom (Interior of the Basilica.). Not far away, in the center of the crossed halls of Saint Peter’s and over the high altar sits the Baldachin, a giant bronze and gilt canopy with four twisting pillars. Decorated in olive and laurel vines with nude children at play and chasing swarms of bees to come to rest underneath the canopy at a golden dove, symbolizing, peace, victory in peace, purity and unity, and the Holy SpiritRead MoreThe Influences of the Great Famine on the Catholic Church1273 Words   |  5 Pageseffects permanently changed Ireland’s demographic, political, cultural and religious landscapes. The Famine was observed as an important period for religious life, because it saw all the churches face challenges to their spiritual authority, or their status. Religious leaders and the churches were under increasing pressure for its ideas, its education and its cultural activities. In spite of all this there was an increase in religious dedication, and this is because people started praying and having faithRead MoreLutheranism And Calvinism857 Words   |  4 PagesThese are the reasons I believe Lutheranism is better than Calvinism and why you should leave the Catholic Church and come and join Lutheranism. Firstly, Lutheranism is a major branch of Protestant Christianity which identifies with the theology of Martin Luther. Martin Luther (1483–1546) was a German monk, reformer, and theologian. Calvinism is the religious doctrines of John Calvin. Calvin stressed that people are saved through Gods grace, not through their own merits. The most famous of CalvinsRead MoreMartin Luther : A Father Of The Protestant Reformation1462 Words   |  6 Pagespractices of the Catholic Church. The church was selling indulgences (forgiveness) to release people from their debt of sin. The higher positions held in the church were being sold to those who would pay the most money. The clergy’s greed and thirst after money essentially divided the church between the peasants and clergy. One man disagreed with the actions of the Catholic Church and decided it was time for reform. Martin Luther, a theologian and monk, â€Å"changed the course of religious and cultural historyRead MoreMartin Luther and Margery Kempe in a Socially Religious Context1332 Words   |  5 Pagesin a socially religious context Religion has had a severe influence on society and by looking at the diverse attitudes that Christians employed regarding their religion through time one is likely to observe that many individuals who interpret religion erroneously are likely to put across hostile behavior toward innocent individuals. History has seen several Christians who stood up to mainstream religious thinking and who lobbied in regard to alternative methods of being religious. The cases of MargeryRead MoreHow Do Catholic And Protestant Christianity Differ? Essay1203 Words   |  5 PagesBroadly speaking, how do Catholic and Protestant Christianity differ? There are several essential differences between Catholics and Protestants. Although over the years, numerous endeavors have been made to seek a mutual understanding between the two, differences remain and they are just as key today as they were at the commencement of the Reformation. Molloy makes some very clear distinctions (Molloy, p 373 and p 378). Protestants believe every Christian has the right to extensively questionRead MoreThe Events Of The Reformation988 Words   |  4 Pagesredesigned, there were brutal religious rivalries on a daily basis. The Bible was used, dramatically, in restricting authority and actions of citizens; brainwashing, and surrounding their lives in the Catholic Church. Due to the amount of effort forced upon citizens, they believed passionately and strongly in the word of the Pope and Church; citizens would torture, while the Church would imprison anyone who questioned or mislead the obstructions of their authorities. The horrific events citizensRead MoreChanges Brought on By the Renaissance Period Essay534 Words   |  3 Pages16th century Europe was a time of religious and social change. It was a time of new art, architecture, and literature through the Renaissance and new discoveries through the scientific revolution. The 16t h century also brought about great change in religion through the Protestant and Catholic Reformations. The Protestant Reformation and Catholic Reformation of the 16th century greatly changed individual freedoms, individual liberties, and the influence of religion. The start of the Protestant Reformation