The Reformation was a period in history when people began to question the teachings of the Catholic Church and to challenge the authority of the Pope. It began in Germany in 1517 as a protest against abuses of power in the Catholic Church and was originally about reforming the Church. The supporters of this desire for reform were called Protestants.
In this chapter, we will learn about the causes of the Reformation, its central figure, Martin Luther, and the response of the Catholic Church in the form of the Counter-Reformation.
Criticism of the Church Type of source
Category Primary Primary
Written Visual
Written
WORKING WITH THE EVIDENCE! —————————————
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Writings of the Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, Henry VIII Contemporary artwork (see below)
Offi cial documents like parliamentary debates, royal orders and papal proclamations
This is an image used by opponents of the Catholic Church to highlight the differences between the church founded by Jesus (on the left) and the one ruled by the Pope (on the right). What differences can you see between the two?
