16th+Century+Catholics+Vs.+Protestant+Reformation

Danny Sheikholeslami

**Describe and analyze the ways in which 16th century Roman Catholics defended their faith against the Protestant Reformation.**
=== Thesis: During the 16th century the practice of Protestantism caused for tension with the Roman Catholics as the Protestant group, feeling that Catholics were manipulating their followers with false information such as indulgences, attempted to create new religious ideas that focused more on faith such a Lutheranism, however, the Catholic Church, in fear of losing their power, built up the Counter reformation creating more reasonable reforms seen through Pope Paul III along with instilling the Council of Trent to put a final end to Protestantism. ===

**__Topic 1:__ Criticism from Protestants towards the Catholics**

 * Nintey-Five Thesis- Martin Luther. Discontent with the sale of indulgences
 * Lollardy- Relgious movement created by John Wyclif. "Church Saved"- "Community of Faithful"
 * John Wyclif- Disgusted by clerical corruption and led attack on papal authority and beliefs
 * John Hus-Called for reform- urged elimination of worldliness and corruption of the clergy, attacked excessive power of papacy.
 * Lutheranism- Teachings of Martin Luther, Teaching of original message in Bible
 * Zwinglianism- true body of Christ is present only through faith and not reality
 * Anabaptists- believed True Christian Church was a voluntary association of believers who had been baptized into church. Rejected theological speculation.
 * Calvinism- John Calvin was convinced of the inner guidance of God. Justification by Faith alone. Predestination
 * Institutes of the Christian Religion- Book on Protestant thought.
 * King Henry VIII- Broke from Catholic Church

__Topic 2__: Catholic Churches Reponse

 * Council of Trent- Final doctrinal Decrees of Council reaffirmed traditional Catholic Teachings in opposition to Protestant Beliefs.
 * New Mysticism- New era of Catholicism- Tied to traditions of Catholic Piety.
 * Theatines- Emphasis on reforming the secular clergy and encouraging those clericas to fulfill their duties among laity.
 * Jesuits- Society of Jesus.
 * Ignatius of Loyola- Spanish nobleman who experienced a spiritual torment and submit his will of the church.
 * The Spiritual exercises- Training manual for spiritual development
 * Pope Paul III- Change in papacy allowed for reform. Appointed nephews as cardinals. Need for change.
 * Capuchins- Preached the gospel directly to the people.