Rebel Beliefs Worksheet
Rebel Beliefs
Decoding the Reformation Message
Name:
Date:
Part 1: The "Solas"
Martin Luther and other reformers used Latin phrases starting with "Sola" (meaning Only) to define their core disagreements with the Catholic Church.
Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
The Church taught that "Good Works" (sacraments and deeds) were required for heaven. How did Sola Fide change the requirements for salvation?
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)
If the Bible is the only absolute authority for truth, what happens to the power of the Pope and the traditions of the Church?
Part 2: Priesthood of All Believers
"Every Christian is his own priest. We have no need for a mediator to stand between us and God." — Martin Luther
Why was this idea so revolutionary? How did it change the balance of power between common people and the Church?
Part 3: The Great Contrast
| Key Issue | Catholic Tradition | Protestant View |
|---|
| Truth Authority | Bible + Church Traditions + The Pope | |
| Bible Access | Latin Bible (only Priests translate) | |
| Salvation | Faith + Good Works (Sacraments) | |
The Great Split Slides
The Great Split
Mapping the Forces and Figures of the Protestant Reformation
Unit: Medieval to Early Modern Europe
Part 1: The Three Major Causes
1
Religious Corruption
Indulgences: People paid money for the forgiveness of sins, making "salvation" look like a business transaction.
Critics felt the Church focused on collecting gold rather than saving souls.
2
Political Power
Monarchs vs. Pope: Kings and princes grew tired of the Pope interfering in their laws and government.
Supporting reformers allowed leaders to break away from the Pope's political control.
3
Economic Greed
Wealth & Taxes: The Church was the largest landowner in Europe and collected massive taxes from the poor.
Townspeople and rulers wanted that money to stay in their own countries instead of going to Rome.
Part 2: Luther & Calvin
Martin Luther
Action: Nailed grievances to church door; translated Bible to German.
John Calvin
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Predestination
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Sovereignty of God: God is in total control of all events.
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Live a pure, strict moral life to show you are "chosen".
Action: Created a theocracy in Geneva; wrote "Institutes of Christian Religion".
Part 3: Technology & Change
The Printing Press
Mass-produced Bibles and pamphlets in vernacular (common languages). People could finally read and discuss religion themselves!
Summary Question
"To 'Reform' means to improve something by removing faults. The Reformation was about fixing a broken Church."
The Great Split Answer Key
The Great Split
Graphic Organizer Answer Key
Teacher Reference
Part 1: Why did it happen? (Causes)
Cause 1: Corruption
The Church sold indulgences (forgiveness for sins). Many felt the Church was more interested in money and building projects than spiritual guidance.
Cause 2: Political Power
European monarchs and princes were tired of the Pope's interference in their local laws and the heavy taxes sent to Rome.
Cause 3: Economic Wealth
The Church was the largest landowner in Europe. Rulers wanted to seize Church lands and keep tax money within their own borders.
Part 2: The Reformers
Martin Luther
Key Beliefs & Actions:
- Wrote 95 Theses attacking corruption.
- Believed in Salvation by Faith Alone (Sola Fide).
- Bible is the only authority; translated it into German.
- Challenged the Pope's power at the Diet of Worms.
John Calvin
Key Beliefs & Actions:
- Believed in Predestination (God has already chosen who is saved).
- Emphasized the Sovereignty of God and strict moral living.
- Established a theocracy (church-run gov) in Geneva.
- Wrote "Institutes of Christian Religion".
Part 3: Technology and Change
The Tool
The Printing Press
The Action
Mass-produced Bibles and pamphlets in local languages (vernacular).
The Result
Ideas spread rapidly; literacy increased; the Pope lost control over information.
Summary Answer
"It is called the 'Reformation' because its goal was to reform or fix the perceived faults and corruption within the Catholic Church. Luther and Calvin wanted to return the Church to its biblical foundations."
