Question 1

What were the sources of discontent among the Catholic clergy on the eve of the Reformation? What were the manifestations of popular religious piety on the eve of the Reformation?

Accepted Answer

The sources of discontent among the Catholic clergy on the eve of the Reformation were primarily related to issues of corruption, abuse of power, and a lack of spiritual focus. Many clergy members were frustrated with the wealth and luxury of the church hierarchy, as well as the practice of selling indulgences and other forms of corruption. Additionally, there was a growing desire for reform and a return to the core principles of Christianity, which were seen as being neglected by the church leadership.

The manifestations of popular religious piety on the eve of the Reformation included a strong emphasis on personal spirituality and a desire for a more direct connection to God. Many people sought out alternative forms of religious expression, such as participating in small prayer groups, engaging in personal devotional practices, and seeking out charismatic religious leaders who offered a more authentic and heartfelt approach to faith. There was also a growing interest in the Bible and a desire for greater access to its teachings, which led to the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages and the spread of literacy among the general population. Overall, there was a sense of dissatisfaction with the status quo and a longing for a more genuine and meaningful religious experience.

Question 2

define the following term:
-justification

Accepted Answer

Justification refers to the action of showing something to be right or reasonable, or the fact of being shown to be right or reasonable. In a philosophical context, justification is a concept that deals with the reasoning behind the belief that a proposition or action is true or acceptable. It involves providing a basis for claims, decisions, or actions, making them defensible against criticism or doubt.

In a legal context, justification can refer to a defense for an action that is otherwise unlawful, but that the circumstances under which the action was taken make it excusable or right. For example, self-defense is often considered a justification for actions that would typically be deemed violent or illegal.

In a broader sense, justification can also pertain to the reasons behind policies, practices, or procedures. It involves explaining why a particular approach was taken or why certain criteria were used in making a decision. Justification is important in various fields, including ethics, law, science, and everyday decision-making, as it helps to clarify the rationale behind choices and can be used to persuade others of their validity.

Question 3

define the following term:
-indulgences

Accepted Answer

Indulgences are a concept within the Roman Catholic Church that refer to the remission of the temporal punishment due to sin after the sin itself has been forgiven. They are rooted in the belief that all sin has two types of consequences: eternal and temporal. Eternal punishment is forgiven through the sacrament of confession, but temporal punishment may still remain. This temporal punishment can be addressed through penance in this life or in purgatory after death.

The practice of indulgences became formalized in the medieval period. The Church taught that it had a "treasury" of merit, consisting of the virtuous acts of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the saints—merit that could be applied to reduce the temporal punishment for sin. Indulgences could be obtained through certain actions, such as going on a pilgrimage, performing acts of charity, or saying specific prayers.

Indulgences can be either partial or plenary. A partial indulgence removes part of the temporal punishment due to sin, while a plenary indulgence removes all of it. To gain a plenary indulgence, a person must perform the indulgenced act and also fulfill several conditions, including sacramental confession, receiving the Eucharist, praying for the intentions of the Pope, and being free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin.

The sale of indulgences became a widespread practice and was one of the major issues that led to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Reformers like Martin Luther argued that the sale of indulgences was corrupt and that it misled people into thinking they could buy their way into heaven. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) reformed the practice of indulgences, reaffirming their existence but condemning their commercial abuse.

Today, the Catholic Church still teaches the value of indulgences but emphasizes that they are not a substitute for genuine repentance and conversion. The Church also no longer allows the sale of indulgences. Instead, indulgences are granted for certain prayers, acts of charity, and other pious practices. The Church maintains that indulgences can be beneficial for the faithful as they encourage the performance of good works and spiritual growth.

Question 4

What impact did Reformation doctrines have on the family and popular religious practices?

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Question 5

What were the contributions of the papacy, the Council of Trent, and the Jesuits on the revival of Catholicism?

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Question 6

define the following term:
-Thomas a Kempis' Imitation of Christ

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-Thomas a Kempis' Imitation...

Question 7

Compare and contrast the chief ideas of Zwinglianism, Anabaptism, and Lutheranism. What did they have in common? How were they different?

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Question 8

define the following term:
-Desiderius Erasmus

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-Desiderius Erasmus...

Question 9

define the following term:
-pluralism

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-pluralism...

Question 10

Did matters of faith or matters of politics play a greater role in the establishment of Lutheranism in Germany?

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Question 11

define the following term:
-The Praise of Folly

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-The Praise of Folly...

Question 12

What was Luther's fundamental religious dilemma? Trace the development of this dilemma and how Luther solved it. How did Luther's religious ideas differ from those of Catholicism?

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Question 13

define the following term:
-Martin Luther

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-Martin Luther...

Question 14

What role did religion play in the wars of the sixteenth century?

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Question 15

Examine the geographic spread of Protestant denominations and compare them to places of entrenched Catholicism. What can the maps teach you about the relative popularity of these religions?

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Question 16

What was Christian humanism and how did it help prepare the way for the Protestant Reformation?

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Question 17

define the following term:
-Christian (northern Renaissance)humanism

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-Christian (northern Renaissance)humanism...

Question 18

Discuss the chief ideas of Calvinism and show how they were similar to the ideas of Lutheranism. How did they vary from the ideas of Lutheranism? Why did Calvinism become the major international form of Protestantism?

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Question 19

How did the English Reformation differ from the reformation in other countries? Be sure to mention specific monarchs and acts of Parliament.

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Question 20

define the following term:
-the sacraments

Accepted Answer

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-the sacraments...

Quiz 1: Reformation and Religious Warfare in the Sixteenth Century

What were the sources of discontent among the Catholic clergy on the eve of the Reformation? What were the manifestations of popular religious piety on the eve of the Reformation?

define the following term: -justification

define the following term: -indulgences

What impact did Reformation doctrines have on the family and popular religious practices?

What were the contributions of the papacy, the Council of Trent, and the Jesuits on the revival of Catholicism?

define the following term: -Thomas a Kempis' Imitation of Christ

Compare and contrast the chief ideas of Zwinglianism, Anabaptism, and Lutheranism. What did they have in common? How were they different?

define the following term: -Desiderius Erasmus

define the following term: -pluralism

Did matters of faith or matters of politics play a greater role in the establishment of Lutheranism in Germany?

define the following term: -The Praise of Folly

What was Luther's fundamental religious dilemma? Trace the development of this dilemma and how Luther solved it. How did Luther's religious ideas differ from those of Catholicism?

define the following term: -Martin Luther

What role did religion play in the wars of the sixteenth century?

Examine the geographic spread of Protestant denominations and compare them to places of entrenched Catholicism. What can the maps teach you about the relative popularity of these religions?

What was Christian humanism and how did it help prepare the way for the Protestant Reformation?

define the following term: -Christian (northern Renaissance)humanism

Discuss the chief ideas of Calvinism and show how they were similar to the ideas of Lutheranism. How did they vary from the ideas of Lutheranism? Why did Calvinism become the major international form of Protestantism?

How did the English Reformation differ from the reformation in other countries? Be sure to mention specific monarchs and acts of Parliament.

define the following term: -the sacraments