Who Were the Protestant Reformers?

Historical Background of Reformation

Architectural “arms race” prompted by Muslim capture of Constantinople (Istanbul) 1453

• Fundraising for St. Peter’s Basilica through sale of indulgences, prompted Luther’s 95 Theses
• Images: Hagia Sofia Exterior, Hagia Sofia Interior, St. Peter’s Basilica Exterior, St. Peter's Basilica Interior

Exchange of ideas through trade

• Especially after Bubonic plague

Printing press made sale of literature profitable

• Gutenberg Bible 1452

Renaissance art and literature

• Starting 1300, climaxing 1500

Discovery of new world starting 1492

Regional princes losing interest in sending money to Rome and taking orders from Rome

• Prince Frederick protected Luther from trial in Rome

How Does Change Happen in the Catholic Church?

Who? –Bishops (not popular democracy)

How? –Councils

• 4th century, Nicaea
• 16th century, Trent
• 20th century, Vatican II

Why? –New challenges

Limits?

• Can clarify but not reverse
• Has to remain universal (not regional)

Excerpt from Martin Luther: Driven to Defiance (2002)

23:40-25:30 Sense that salvation was unachievable

25:30-32:30 Mission to Rome

32:30-34:08 Profiterring and indulgences

More info on IMDB.com and PBS.com