Glossary
95 Theses
A list of propositions written by Martin Luther in 1517, primarily challenging the sale of indulgences and the Pope's authority.
Example:
The posting of the 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg is widely considered the symbolic start of the Protestant Reformation.
Anabaptists
A radical Protestant group advocating for adult baptism, separation of church and state, and pacifism, often persecuted by both Catholics and other Protestants.
Example:
The Anabaptists faced severe persecution for their rejection of infant baptism and their insistence on a complete separation from secular authority.
Calvinism
A major branch of Protestantism founded by John Calvin, characterized by its emphasis on predestination, the sovereignty of God, and a strict moral code.
Example:
Calvinism became a powerful force in shaping the religious and social landscape of many European nations, including the Netherlands and Scotland.
Consubstantiation
Martin Luther's belief regarding the Eucharist, where Christ's body and blood are present 'in, with, and under' the bread and wine, but the elements themselves do not change.
Example:
Unlike the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, Luther's concept of Consubstantiation allowed for Christ's real presence without the bread and wine losing their physical nature.
Diet of Worms
An imperial assembly held in 1521 where Martin Luther was asked to recant his writings but famously refused, leading to his condemnation as an outlaw.
Example:
Despite being declared an outlaw at the Diet of Worms, Luther's ideas continued to spread rapidly across Europe.
Divine Grace
The unmerited favor of God, which, according to Martin Luther, is the sole means by which humans are saved.
Example:
Luther's theology emphasized that salvation was achieved through divine grace alone, not through human efforts or good works.
German Peasants' Revolt
A widespread peasant uprising in 1524-1525, partly inspired by Luther's ideas of Christian freedom, though Luther condemned the rebellion.
Example:
The brutal suppression of the German Peasants' Revolt highlighted the social and political tensions exacerbated by the Reformation.
Indulgences
In the Catholic Church, a grant by the Pope of remission of the temporal punishment in purgatory due to sins, often sold for money.
Example:
Luther's primary grievance, articulated in his 95 Theses, was against the corrupt practice of selling indulgences.
John Calvin
A French theologian who developed Calvinism, another major branch of Protestantism, emphasizing predestination and God's absolute sovereignty.
Example:
John Calvin's systematic theology profoundly influenced the development of Protestantism in Switzerland, Scotland, and parts of France.
Martin Luther
A German monk and scholar whose challenge to the Catholic Church in the 16th century initiated the Protestant Reformation.
Example:
Martin Luther's defiance at the Diet of Worms marked a pivotal moment in the spread of his reformist ideas.
Predestination
The Calvinist doctrine that God has eternally determined who will be saved (the elect) and who will be damned, regardless of their actions.
Example:
The belief in predestination often led Calvinists to live disciplined lives, seeking signs of their election through moral conduct and worldly success.
Priesthood of all believers
A Protestant doctrine asserting that all baptized Christians have direct access to God and do not need a priestly intermediary.
Example:
The Priesthood of all believers empowered laypeople and significantly diminished the exclusive spiritual authority of the Catholic clergy.
Protestant Work Ethic
A concept suggesting that hard work, discipline, and frugality are a result of a person's adherence to the values of the Protestant faith, particularly Calvinism.
Example:
The Protestant Work Ethic is often linked to the rise of capitalism, as diligence and economic success were seen as signs of God's favor.
Sola Fide
A core Protestant doctrine meaning 'faith alone,' asserting that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, not through good works.
Example:
Luther's revolutionary concept of Sola Fide directly challenged the Catholic Church's emphasis on sacraments and good deeds for salvation.
Sola Scriptura
A core Protestant doctrine meaning 'scripture alone,' asserting that the Bible is the sole source of religious authority and truth.
Example:
The principle of Sola Scriptura led to increased literacy and the widespread translation of the Bible into vernacular languages.
Transubstantiation
The Catholic doctrine that during the Eucharist, the bread and wine are literally transformed into the body and blood of Christ.
Example:
The Catholic belief in Transubstantiation was a major point of theological contention with most Protestant reformers, who offered alternative interpretations.
Ulrich Zwingli
An influential leader of the Reformation in Switzerland, known for his emphasis on biblical authority and a symbolic interpretation of the Eucharist.
Example:
While sharing many of Luther's reformist goals, Ulrich Zwingli famously disagreed with him on the nature of Christ's presence in the Eucharist.