Martin Luther and John Calvin
The Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century produces many differing views on religion. The Catholic Church didn't change much until the Counter Reformation, which probably helped to encourage the Protestants. The Protestants not only disagreed with the Catholic Church about their religion, but they also disagreed amongst themselves. Two of the more prominent Protestants of the time were Martin Luther and John Calvin, whose views sometimes coincided, and sometimes did not. Martin Luther was one of the first Protestants, and it could be said that he was the father of the Reformation. Luther's views on the roles of the Church and the State differed greatly with that of the Church. While the Catholic Church believed itself above the governments of Europe, Luther believed that the Church should be subordinate to the State. While most rulers found this most appealing, particularly those of his home country of Germany, the Church found this as preposterous. Lucky for him, a number of German princes hid him in their abodes, protecting him from the Church when he refused to denounce the ninety-five theses he wrote on religion, challenging the ways of the Catholic Church. If it wasn't for this, Lutheranism, and even Prote
stantism itself, may have disappeared all together. Luther's social attitudes also differed greatly with the Catholic Church. Luther said that only the Bible, and not religious traditions and ceremonies and such, could determine correct religious practices and lead to salvation. This, obviously, would have made the Church much less important, thus decreasing the power of the Pope and his followers. He also disagreed with the concept of indulgences. That someone can simply buy his way into Heaven didn't seem to make any sense to Luther, since then the rich could do whatever sinful acts they wished and then simply pay the Church some money and get into Heaven. John Calvin, another Protestant that came after Martin Luther, also had some contradicting views. Luther and Calvin had some major political disagreements. Unlike Luther, Calvin believed that the State and Church should be united. This would give the Church immense power, and allow it to enforce its beliefs upon all. For example, in Zurich, he combined State and Church, enforcing their stern morality on all. Being that he preferred a simple, unadorned church, the place became rather bland, with strict codes of morality ruling over all.
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Approximate Word count = 814
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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