The tenth century saw the Roman Catholic Church become the biggest religious organization in major parts of Europe. Despite being widely accepted in the European continent, the Catholic Church was yet to gain the same level of popularity and acceptance on the global map. This was largely due to the fact that many people around the world did not accept the doctrine of the church together with the practices that they supported, and the principles they stood for. This view was mainly attributed to what they termed as selfishness from the church leaders and greed for wealth, together with an increasing urge to gain political influence. The reforms made by the church, however, did not do much to savor the situation which had already gotten out of hand. The criticism from concerned parties still grew all over the world. It was the urge to correct the Roman Catholic Church leadership that prompted the likes of Martin Luther to initiate a rebellion towards the church. This paper addresses the major causes that led to the Protestant Reformation.
Condemnation of John Wycliffe by Pope Gregory XI for his role in questioning the church; John Wycliffe, born in England, was a renowned theologian and vocal critic of the Catholic Church. Pope Gregory XI came out to harshly condemn Wycliffe for what he termed as false and erroneous conclusions and propositions, arrived at by the latter. Wycliffe was accused by the pope for coming out to lay false accusations which were tailored at weakening the church in a bid to cause uproar and uncertainty within the whole ranks. He referred to Wycliffe as a madman who went out and about preaching publicly of and vomiting hateful sentiments to knock the winds out of the churchs sails. However, the pope also adds that the hate which was poured out made the English kingdom to defend the church even more. He further added that Wycliffe had poisoned a portion of the Christian faithful in the church and managed to plant false doctrine in them making them lose the right path and stand for a wrong cause.
John Tetzel sermon of 1515; In a sermon, Tetzel reminded the faithful that life on earth is temporal and that people should not be blinded by the desires of the flesh and end up losing out on what is the ultimate importance; salvation and life in paradise. He further stated that it is important for people to be fitted well with Gods armor so that they may be strong in their faith and not fall easily to worldly temptations. Tetzel also questioned why it was easy for someone to do anything possible for them to reach Rome, even if it meant selling all his belongings as compared to how people take seriously the importance of making sure they enter paradise. According to his sermon, this was a misplaced priority that focused on worldly gain other than spiritual gain.
Martin Luthers 95 theses; in his theses, Martin Luther came out to criticize the practices of the Catholic Church which according to him were totally misleading. He stated it was wrong to make people believe that an indulgence from the pope, who was just a man, was enough to free someone and save his soul from any form of punishment. Luther further stated that it was totally misleading to make people believe that making financial contributions to the church would ensure that their souls will be fished out of the purgatory which in his view was manipulating people for financial gain.
Martin Luthers response following his sermon by the Emperor; after his 95 theses, Martin Luther rattled the leadership of the church with his criticisms, a fact that led him to be summoned to make an appearance before the emperor. However, his reply towards the sermon was not what many expected. He stated that he could not subject his faith for scrutiny either before the pope or his councils due to their evident contradiction of one another in past experiences. He added that the only way he would make such a move as if he received a conviction from the scripture itself.
Martin Luthers criticism of the German Lords; Luther blamed the princes and lords for the rebellion citing that it was their poor means of governance that was the major driving force behind the rebellion. The bishops, priests, and monks were not spared as well as he branded them blind and mad. He stated that all they were after was to rob their subjects just to ensure they live a spectacular lifestyle. This, he states that the poor could no longer stomach.
John Calvins call for people to resist the worldly desires; Calvin highlighted the importance of resisting lusts of the flesh which he stated that if not kept in check would run the risk overflowing beyond a measure that could no longer be controlled. He further encouraged people to be grateful to God for what they have as opposed to always seeking for more as this was an evidence of greed on their part.
The views of Martin Luther with regard to Jews; Luther was vocal against the Jews due to the way they treated the locals and saw them as their servants. He questioned why a Jew accused of stealing would not be punished as opposed to a common thief who if was caught stealing less would be hanged. According to him, this was an unacceptable form of treatment which the people should not have stood for. He further stated his frustrations as to what brought the Jews their land since they did not extend to them any form of invitation.
Caution to bishops to obey the call to serve and not greed for wealth. According to the Council of Trent, anyone who seeks to serve the church in the office of the bishop should maintain the path of service and not be blinded by his ambitions to acquire wealth and luxury. Furthermore, the Council of Trent states that if the people in the leadership positions practiced faithfulness then their followers would recognize their authority and respect them. Failure to abide by these principles led to the reformation. Moreover, Paul in his teachings to the church elaborates that its foundation is built on teachings from the prophets and apostles. Should the doctrines taught by the prophets not match the standards of Christianity then a revolution is likely to occur within the church.
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