Chapter 13: Reformations of Religion
Chapter Summary
Few 16th century men and women could have predicted that something like a drastic reform of the medieval Church would have ever occurred. But in October 1517 Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses, and the religious unity of Europe would be changed forever. This Protestant Reformation split Europe into opposing camps, each of which dressed for intense battle over the course of the 16th century and on into the 17th century. No one was left untouched. The Reformation, like all revolutions, forced people to make decisions, and the decisions one made often meant the difference between life and death.
That the Church needed reform few would doubt. The Lollards and Hussites had already planted the seeds of discontent in the 15th century. The satires of Desiderius Erasmus fueled the criticisms of the Christian humanists while at the same time worried the Church. Could the Church be left to its own devices to reform the Church? Why did the Church need to be reformed? And what of the city-dweller who managed to catch a glimpse of the pope or some bishop who strode through town in splendor, while they found it more and more difficult to make ends meet? Where was salvation to be found?
Martin Luther believed he had found the answers to some of these questions. From his Augustinian conscience, Luther faced the greatest issue of faith -- how do I find salvation? Surely the indulgence -- literally, buying your way into heaven -- was not the answer. The concept of predestination was -- our salvation depends upon the will of God alone. Such a drastic proposition had enormous consequences for it meant that the intercession of the pope and bishops had nothing to do with either faith or salvation. What Luther had done was internalize faith -- rather than depend upon external devices for salvation, Luther turned inward. And there he found the comfort for his troubled conscience.
Of course, the greatest issue to consider is why so many people followed Luther, Calvin and others into an opposing camp. What did Protestantism promise that the medieval Church could not deliver? In general, Luther told people what they wanted to hear. What he and Calvin offered was an alternative, something more appealing and perhaps emotional.
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