The Reformation Dbq

The Reformation that occurred in the 16th century was stirred by Martin Luther who argued passionately for the need for reform of the Church. Luther believed the gospel had become captive to the institutional church, which had imprisoned the gospel in a complex system of priest and sacraments. He also believed in by Faith alone, one is able to have a real connection with God. His ideas was widely spread because of the printing press available at that time and thus resulted in a reformation which caused the split between the two Churches. This essay will argue the factors that result in the split between Catholic and Protestants Churches by focusing on two main areas: differences in beliefs mainly ideas on achieving salvation and the justification…show more content…
Salvation is referred as the ability to gain entry into Heaven and therefore being in the presence of God for eternity. Catholic Church believed that Jesus had passed on the powers to forgive sins to his disciples and this power could be traced from the priest to the pope and back to Jesus himself. Therefore, the only way for Catholics to achieve salvation was through Church by faith and good works. Lindberg (Trent Decree Ex. 1) argues that if anyone disagree that it is by “their own works” and “divine grace through Jesus Christ”, he should be anathema. According to this argument, it is declared that one will not be able to achieve salvation without receiving grace of God regardless of any merits on their own part. Furthermore, the Catholics were taught that “salvation itself could be bought” (Appold 2011: 47). However, Luther (Luther Freedom Ex. 1) expressed that “[f]aith is enough for the Christian man. He has no need for works to be made good”. This tells us that Luther believed in “the idea of grace as unmerited favor of God” which can be summarized in the expression “justification by faith alone” (McGrath 2000: 103-104). In fact, Luther (Luther Freedom Ex. 6) states “[w]hoever has Faith shall have all, and be saved; without Faith, no one shall have anything”. According to McGrath, justification by faith refers to “entering into a right relationship with God” and also to be “made…show more content…
2012. Dialogue Against the Arrogant Theses of Martin Luther Extract. Melbourne: Trinity
College Foundation Studies.

Luther, Martin. 2012. The Freedom of a Christian Extract. Melbourne: Trinity College Foundation
Studies.

Council of Trent. 2012. Decree and Canons concerning Justification Extract. Melbourne: Trinity College Foundation Studies.

Secondary Sources

McGrath, A. 2000. Reformation Thought: an Introduction. (3rd ed.). Oxford: Blackwell Publishers.

Marshall, P. 2009. The Reformation: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Zophy, J. 1996. A Short History of Renaissance and Reformation Europe: Dances Over Fire and Water. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice