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Reformation
What was the Reformation?
The Protestant Reformation was a change in religious ideas that led to a new denomination of Christianity. The printing press heavily contributed to this change, allowing people to read what the Bible actually says, and to spread their new ideas faster. Martin Luther wrote his 95 Theses in 1517, and might have been posted onto the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. These were about the corruption of the church, and finding salvation through faith. He thought that indulgences were a terrible idea, and that the religion should only be based on faith and the scripture. His ideas brought about Lutheranism, a branch of Protestantism.
Reformation Supporters

Martin Luther

He wrote about his opinions much more than other reformers, letting more people hear him. Luther started Lutheranism, as well as Protestantism, and wrote the 95 Theses.

John Calvin

In Geneva during the Protestant Reformation, John Calvin was a French theologian, preacher, and reformer. He started Calvinism, which was more intense than Lutheranism.

Henry VIII

He took over as head of the Church of England to gain more power and money. This allowed him to annul his wife, as divorce was unlawful under the Catholic Church. He was married 6 times.
Reformation Critics/Anti Reformation

The Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

A group of Counter-Reformation people that successfully converted Protestants back to Catholicism. It was created by Ignatius de Loyola in 1534.

Pope Leo X

The corrupt pope that would “remove” the sins of people for a price.

Council of Trent

The Council of Trent, held between 1545 and 1563 in Trent, was the 19th ecumenical council of the Catholic Church. Promoted by the Protestant Reformation, it has been described as the embodiment of the Counter-Reformation.