1. The Reformation and Religious Wars

2. Meaning of Reformation The reformation was the significant development that convulsed Christendom in the 16th century and was the beginning of modern history. It was a two-sided affair. On the one hand, it was a Protestant Reformation or religious revolt against the Vatican, led by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and other religious reformers, and resulted in the rise of various Protestant sects. On the other hand, it was a Catholic Reformation because it brought about reforms within the Catholic Church which improved the Catholic faith.

3. After the pontificate of Leo III, the Papacy began to decline rapidly as a result of the following: 1 . Removal of the papal seat from Rome (Italy) to Avignon (France) 2. the “Great Schism” (1378) 3. the Rise of strong national states 4. the Intellectual revolution sparked by the Renaissance The Decline of the Papacy

4. There were many critics who denounced the evils in the church. These evils included 1. the vast properties and luxury of the Church 2. the sale of Church offices to unworthy prelates 3. the scandalous immoralities and extravagances of the clergy 4. certain Church doctrines which were contrary to Christ’s teachings. Forerunners of the Reformation

5. Four men prepared the way to the Religious Revolution: John Wycliffe of England, John Huss of Bohemia, Savonarola of Italy Erasmus of Rotterdam.

6. Luther, “Father of the Protestant Revolt” The man who led the Protestant Revolt and change the image of Christendom was Martin Luther (1483-1546), a German Augustinian monk.