The Protestant Reformation: Crash Course European History #6

What Fueled the Competition Between Spain and England?

The Role of Religion in 16th Century Europe

• John Green introduces the topic, highlighting that the competition between Spain and England post-1550 was driven by factors beyond money, particularly religion.

• He notes that religious discourse in 16th century Europe was fraught with tension, contrasting it with contemporary discussions on religion.

Catholic Church's Dominance

• The Catholic Church had established a powerful structure under papal authority, influencing social and political hierarchies through its teachings.

• Resistance to this dominance began in the early 16th century, leading to a fragmentation of European Christianity into numerous sects.

Martin Luther's Challenge to Catholic Doctrine

• Martin Luther’s journey from law student to monk reflects his deep concern for salvation, which ultimately led him to challenge Church teachings.

• Luther viewed the requirement of good works for salvation as akin to bribery, setting him on a path toward heresy against Catholic principles.

Indulgences and Public Outcry

• Luther objected not only on theological grounds but also against practices like indulgences—payments made for reducing punishment after death—which he saw as manipulative exploitation of people's fears.

• He criticized how indulgences were marketed as a means to alleviate suffering for deceased loved ones, equating it with blackmail.

The Birth of Reformation Ideals

• For Luther, true salvation came through faith alone rather than financial transactions or good deeds; he articulated these views in his "Ninety-Five Theses" in 1517.

The Diet of Worms and Martin Luther's Stand

The Context of the Diet of Worms

• Initially, authorities did not perceive a significant threat from Martin Luther until his excommunication by the Pope in early 1521.

• The Diet of Worms was convened, led by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who was only nineteen at the time and ruled over vast territories including Spain and parts of Italy.

• Charles V's young age contrasted sharply with the immense responsibilities he held as ruler, raising questions about his capability to manage such power.

Luther's Defiance

• Despite expectations that Luther would recant before such a powerful figure, he famously declared, “I can do no other,” affirming his beliefs.

• Following this declaration, Charles V declared Luther an outlaw; however, Frederick the Wise protected him due to concerns over papal abuses and potential threats to local power dynamics.

Aftermath and Support for Luther

• Frederick’s death did not end support for Luther; his successor continued to protect him and helped form the Schmalkaldic League in 1530 to defend Lutheran interests.

• The spread of Lutheran ideas was significantly aided by the printing press, which allowed for widespread distribution of Luther’s writings.

Rise of German Nationalism

• Many German princes began supporting Lutheran reforms as a means to counterbalance Charles V’s authority.

• This movement contributed to a sense of German nationalism as Luther called upon them to resist corruption from Rome.

Peasant Revolts and Reactions

• In 1525, widespread peasant protests erupted across southern Germany but were violently suppressed by nobility.

• Although initially supportive of reform, Luther condemned these uprisings in his work "Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants," indicating his preference for religious reform over social upheaval.

Theological Divergences Among Reformers

Zwingli's Contributions

• Ulrich Zwingli emerged as another key reformer around 1519 in Zurich; while he supported many of Luther’s critiques against papacy, he diverged on views regarding communion.

Eucharistic Debates

• Zwingli believed communion was purely symbolic while Luther argued for consubstantiation—where bread and wine coexist with Christ’s body and blood without losing their original substance.

Radical Movements: Anabaptists

• Zwingli's teachings inspired radical groups like Anabaptists who emphasized individual faith decisions; they rejected infant baptism in favor of adult baptism based on personal conviction.

Personal Life Changes for Reformers

The Controversy of Luther's Marriage

Luther's Personal Life and Its Impact

• At the age of five, Martin Luther's marriage sparked controversy even among his supporters, with one friend lamenting that it compromised his reputation during a critical time for Germany.

• Luther extensively wrote and preached about marriage, referencing the biblical story of Adam and Eve to illustrate its significance in society.

The Concept of Marital Equity

• In his teachings, Luther suggested that a wife shares everything her husband possesses, indicating a difference between husband and wife only in terms of sex. This notion was seen as heretical by some due to its implications on marital property rights.

• The idea of clergy marrying added to the perceived heresy surrounding these discussions, complicating the religious landscape further.

Political Ramifications and Religious Conflict

• The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V aimed to suppress Protestant princes from the Schmalkaldic League between 1546 and 1547 but faced setbacks when they regrouped and defeated imperial forces in 1552.

• The Peace of Augsburg (1555) established that rulers would determine their territory's religion, leading to divisions based on princely faith rather than communal consensus.

Ongoing Struggles Beyond the Reformation