Historia de la Iglesia Moderna 1.3

Understanding Arminianism and Calvinism

Overview of the Assembly of 1610

• Eight Reformed countries participated in the assembly, which was organized by followers of Jacob Arminius.

• The concept of "free will" is introduced, although it is noted that this term does not appear in the Bible; it stems from Arminian theology.

Key Points of Arminian Theology

• Partial Depravity: Jacob Arminius argues that while all humans are corrupted by sin, they can still be saved through their works and natural faith.

• Conditional Election: Salvation depends on human choice; God foresees who will believe and thus elects them for salvation based on their faith.

• Universal Atonement: Christ's death atones for everyone's sins but does not guarantee salvation unless accepted by individuals.

Human Agency in Salvation

• The idea that grace can be resisted is emphasized; individuals have the power to reject God's offer of salvation.

• Conditional Security: Salvation requires ongoing faith; losing faith equates to losing salvation, leading to debates about whether names can be erased from the Book of Life.

Contrast with Calvinism

• Total Depravity (Calvinism): Calvin asserts that humans are so corrupted by sin that they cannot achieve salvation through their own efforts or faith.

• Unconditional Election: God chooses a specific number of people for salvation without regard to any foreseen merit or action on their part.

Distinctions in Grace and Perseverance

• Particular Atonement (Calvinism): Christ's sacrifice is effective only for those chosen for salvation, contrasting with universal atonement.

• Irresistible Grace: If God has chosen someone for salvation, they cannot resist His grace; this contrasts with Arminian views where resistance is possible.

Final Thoughts on Predestination and Free Will

• The discussion highlights differing views on perseverance—Calvinists believe God preserves the elect until the end, while Arminians argue individuals must actively maintain their faith.

Huguenots and the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre

The Huguenots in France

• The term "Huguenots" refers to French Protestants who followed the theological ideas of John Calvin, emphasizing their need for secret gatherings due to persecution.

• On August 24, 1572, a significant event known as the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre occurred, orchestrated by Catholics and civil authorities against Huguenots.

• It is estimated that around 70,000 Huguenots were killed during this massacre, including many leaders of the movement.

Impact on Protestantism in France

• The massacre marked a severe setback for Protestantism in France, halting its growth and weakening the Huguenot community significantly.

• By 1802, some legal protections were granted to Huguenots; however, many had already fled to other countries like Switzerland and England seeking refuge.

Migration and Resilience

• Despite facing mass killings and desolation in their cities, many Huguenots migrated to British colonies and later America, carrying their reformist principles with them.

• They often held secret meetings in caves where preachers would encourage congregations despite ongoing persecution.

Edict of Nantes

• In April 1598, the Edict of Nantes was signed granting Protestants freedom of worship across most of France except Paris where restrictions remained longer.

The Cost of Reform: Persecution Across Europe

Violence Against Protestants

• In the Low Countries (Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland), approximately 100,000 Protestants were killed between 1567 and 1573 during violent crackdowns against reformists.

Spanish Inquisition

• The discussion transitions to Spain’s history with the Spanish Inquisition initiated by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile around 1478 aimed at maintaining Catholic orthodoxy.

Duration and Horrors

• The Spanish Inquisition lasted until the 19th century (almost four centuries), notorious for its brutal methods against those labeled as heretics.

The Role of Julián Hernández in the Protestant Reformation in Spain

Julián Hernández: A Key Figure

• Julián Hernández, a lesser-known figure in Spanish history, was pivotal in promoting Protestantism during a time when Spain was heavily controlled by the monarchy and the Inquisition.

• Known for his short stature, he earned the nickname "Julián Illo" and engaged in secretly distributing Bibles and New Testaments in Spanish.

• The risks were immense; those caught transporting religious texts faced severe punishments including torture, mutilation, or execution by fire.

Acts of Courage

• Despite being captured and tortured, Hernández did not reveal any names or betray his associates. His resilience made him a hero of faith.

• Upon returning to his cell after torture, he sang a defiant song that symbolized victory over oppression: "vencidos van los frailes vencidos van."

Legacy and Impact

• He encouraged fellow believers to be brave soldiers of Christ, emphasizing the importance of witnessing their faith even under threat of death.

• His story is set against the backdrop of significant reformative movements within Spain during one of its most challenging periods for reformers.

The Reina-Valera Bible: A Milestone in Spanish Protestantism

Historical Context

• The Reina-Valera Bible emerged from efforts by 22 monks from San Isidoro del Campo who sought to translate biblical texts into Spanish directly from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

Publication Details

• Casiodoro de Reina published his translation in 1569 known as "La Biblia del Oso," named for its cover illustration featuring a bear reaching for honey.

Subsequent Revisions

• In 1602, another key figure named Cipriano de Valera revised Reina's work leading to what is now widely recognized as the Reina-Valera version still used today among Spanish-speaking Protestants.

Contrarreforma: The Catholic Response to Protestantism

Overview of National Churches

• Various national churches formed across Europe during this period: Lutheranism predominated in Germany; Calvinist theology shaped Switzerland; Anglicanism developed in England; Presbyterianism took root in Scotland.

Catholic Counter-Reformation Efforts

• The Catholic Church's response to Protestant reforms was termed "Contrarreforma," aimed at countering Protestant growth throughout Europe while attempting internal reforms within Catholicism itself.

Challenges Faced by Reformers

• Despite attempts at reforming practices within the church over centuries prior to this movement, many viewed these efforts as insufficient against rising Protestant ideologies.

Goals and Limitations

Contrarreforma y el Concilio de Trento

Contexto de la Contrarreforma

• La contrarreforma fue una respuesta a la Reforma Protestante, caracterizada por la persecución activa contra los protestantes y el impulso de misiones en países extranjeros.

• Ignacio de Loyola, un militar retirado, se convirtió en una figura clave al fundar la Compañía de Jesús (jesuitas), que jugó un papel crucial en la evangelización durante este periodo.

El Concilio de Trento

• El Concilio de Trento (1545-1563), convocado por el Papa Pablo III, buscó combatir las ideas protestantes y reformar la disciplina interna de la Iglesia Católica.

• Se condenaron las tesis protestantes y se abordaron problemas morales y administrativos dentro de la Iglesia, reafirmando doctrinas católicas fundamentales.

Doctrinas Definidas

• Se estableció que para alcanzar la salvación es necesaria tanto la fe como las obras; no hay salvación fuera de la Iglesia romana.

• Las Escrituras y la tradición fueron consideradas con igual autoridad, incluyendo los libros apócrifos. Se reafirmó que los siete sacramentos son esenciales para infundir gracia.

Reafirmaciones Clave

• Los sacramentos como el bautismo, confirmación, eucaristía y otros fueron reafirmados como medios para infundir fe en los cristianos.

• Se defendió el culto a la Virgen María y a los santos, así como el celibato del clero. También se definieron doctrinas sobre purgatorio y transubstanciación.

Impacto Duradero

• Las decisiones del Concilio marcaron diferencias claras entre catolicismo y protestantismo que perduran hasta hoy. La única fuente aceptada fue la Vulgata latina.

• La Inquisición continuó existiendo por siglos más; surgieron nuevas órdenes religiosas como los jesuitas bajo San Ignacio de Loyola.

Consecuencias Históricas

• A pesar del esfuerzo reformador católico, el protestantismo siguió expandiéndose.

• La Guerra de los Treinta Años (1618–1648), influenciada por intereses políticos y religiosos, culminó con la Paz de Westfalia.

Libertad Religiosa Post-Guerra

• Tras esta guerra, hubo un aumento en las libertades religiosas en Europa; príncipes podían elegir religiones para sus principados.