Page 69 - History of Christianity - Student Textbook

Study Section 13: Reformation and Post-Reformation Periods (1483-1750)

13.1 Connect

Up to the 15 Century, the universal Church as people knew it was pretty much in control of the lives
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of all who lived in Europe. The Church had walked away from the doctrines of the founding apostles
in many areas and lust for power and riches had corrupted its leaders. People were kept in ignorance
as the Scriptures were not allowed to be distributed among the masses. It’s no wonder they call this
time “the Dark Ages.” It was dark because man’s minds were empty of spiritual knowledge and most
were spiritually living in darkness. People needed a change which was coming in a few short years.

The Reformation marks a hallmark event in the history of the Church. It was an attempt of faithful men to again
open the Word of God and apply its truths to church polity. To begin this course, we will dive into the beginning
of this exciting time. Let’s get started…..

13.2 Objectives

1. Students will be able to lay a foundation upon which the Reformation was built.

2. Students should be able to give a short biography of Martin Luther and his contributions to the
Reformation.

3. Students should be able to give a short biography of Ulrich Zwingli and Meno Simons and their contributions
to the Reformation.

13.3 The Setting for the Reformation

We come toward the end of the 15 century and find the papacy playing an increasing role in secular
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rule in Europe. There were continual power struggles between the Pope in Rome and various nations
over who was the ultimate authority. King Philip IV of France finally elected Pope Clement V and the
papal court was moved from Rome to Avignon in 1309. It remained there until 1376. We learned
about the Great Schism were several rival claimants declared themselves pope. The seesaw battle
between popes weakened the idea of the pope as a central authority in the minds of Christians.

The Hundred Years War between England and France (1337-1453) ended with the campaigns of Joan of Arc and
her successors, only to enhance national feeling. This also weakened the religious bond held by the pope in
Rome. Also nationalism was on the rise as kings sought authority over the rule of the popes.

Black Death broke out in 1347-1350 all over Europe. By the time it was over, almost 50% of Europe’s population
was dead. The economy of the nations was in turmoil. The Black Death shook the physical and political
structure of European society. The horror of it left many in total despair.

Finally the spiritual authority of the pope and his hierarchy was undermined by the growing wealth of the
Church at the expense of the common people. Taxes to the Church were very burdensome and the corruption in
the church and among secular leaders was increasing. The selling of indulgences began in 1517, which
supposedly shortened the time a relative had to spend in Purgatory, financed the rebuilding of St. Peter’s
Basilica in Rome.

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