Lutheranism

The start… Lutheranism, a branch of Christianity, was

established by Martin Luther. In response to corruption within the

European Church, Luther compiled a list of objections.

He posted his 95 theses at Wittenberg Church on October 31st, 1517 only to make corrections, but sparked a movement that would later be known as the Reformation.

Results Since the Church was unwilling to

change it’s position, Luther broke away. He was excommunicated at the Diet of

Worms on May 26, 1521. These are the foundingdates of Lutheranism.

Lutheranism spreads Starting in Germany, Luther’s theology

spread to the of countries Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and throughout the Baltic by the 1650’s. 

Theology: Salvation Unlike the Church, Luther’s idea of salvation did

not originate in good works only. Instead, it was based on faith alone. No one

could attain redemption by trying to please God. His gift of salvation was freely given to all who believe.

Along with this, those truly filled with faith would complete good works. As it says in James 2:26, “…faith apart from works is dead.”

Theology: Sacraments Only Baptism(infants and adults) and the

Eucharist (Communion) are Biblical; Penance(confessing sins) is practiced before the Eucharist in mass, and confessions are made before one's first Eucharist, but most sects of Lutheranism do not consider Penance to be a sacrament. 

Services Lutheran church services contain various

practices including prayer, the singing of hymns, scripture reading, the sermon, communion, benedictions, and blessings.

Roles: Clergy and Laity The laity is called to live a life of faith as well as good works. They are to embrace the gifts God has given them and use these for His work. The laity is also encouraged to attend regular church services, spend time in the Word and in prayer.

The clergy are trained to lead services and perform the sacraments. They also watch over the spiritual well-being and growth of their congregation.

World Impact Today, Lutheranism is practiced a majority of the continents.

At that time, it sparked a want for national and political freedom as well as religious (Peasant revolt).

It’s founding led to religious reforms and laws made by rulers and theologians.

Caused the Reformation which would lead to religious wars and the Counter-Reformation of the Catholic church.

Philip’s Issue with the Netherlands

The Reasons he wanted to Keep it The areas within the Spanish

Netherlands was considered the most wealthy of all the sections of Spanish territory.

Reasons the Netherlands Wanted to Separate Some of the leaders of the Estates

General saw Philip as damaging to the country

The spread of Calvinism led them to be wary of Philip

Philip was too concerned with other things to really pay attention to discontent in the Netherlands

Reasons the Netherlands Wanted to Separate (cont.) Philip said, “I would rather lost the Low

Countries than reign over them if they ceased to be catholic,” which angered them

They did not want to be a part of the wars Spain was in

Problems that Arose The growth of Calvinism hit the poorer

districts and quickly spread into the entire Netherlands. Lesser nobles also joined into the growing new religion. Philip was of course a strict Catholic which set up the struggles that ensued.

Philip believed if he crushed Calvinism it would give him more power within the Netherlands

Cons and Pros Pros – Spain was able to Gain some

money for a time from the rich districts Cons- the ensuing religious battle and

establishing of Netherlands as a sovereign country put Spain on a downward spiral that left it in a shamble of its former self.

Effects Spain lost its position as big power, and

was no longer considered a worthy ally by the other powers

Calvinists split into two factions in Netherlands

Spain was left poor