Chronology
1503 |
The Handbook of the Christian Knight published by Erasmus. It emphasized inner devotion and de-emphasized actions such as the sacraments, pilgrimages, fasts, veneration of saints, and relics. |
1511 |
The Praise of Folly written by Erasmus satirizes contemporary society. In a humorous way, Erasmus offers criticism about the corruption of society and the abuses of the Christian Church. |
1517 |
Pope Leo X issued a special indulgence to pay for the construction of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. |
1517 |
Luther posts his 95 Theses in Germany. These theses were a reaction to the unethical sale of indulgences to fund Saint Peter's Basilica. Luther's statements called for Christians everywhere to reexamine the Church and its flawed actions. |
1518 |
Ulrich Zwingli becomes cathedral priest in Zurich and begins the Reformation in Switzerland. |
1519 |
Charles V of Spain is declared Holy Roman Emperor. |
1524-1525 |
The Peasant's War in Germany is waged by poor and repressed workers seeking to gain rights and economic relief. While some Protestant leaders support the peasants, Luther claims that they are not behaving as Christians and refuses to assist their cause. |
1525 |
Nuremberg becomes the first imperial city to convert to Lutheranism. |
1530 |
Diet of Augsburg where Charles V attempted to settle the Lutheran "problem." |
1534 |
English Parliament completely broke off from the Church in Rome by passing the Act of Supremacy, which declared the king was to be the head of the English Church. |
1535 |
Munster fell into the hands of Anabaptist extremists and was freed by combined Catholic and Lutheran forces. |
1540 |
The Society of Jesus is officially recognized by Pope Paul III. |
1541 |
The city council in Geneva accepted a new church constitution proposed by John Calvin: the Ecclesiastical Ordinances. This document created four offices which each had a specific job related to the Church: pastors, teachers, elders, and deacons. |
1546-1555 |
Schmalkaldic Wars-Charles V's battles against the Protestant Schmalkaldic League in Germany. After what seemed to be the downfall of the Lutherans, French King Henry II provided the extra strength needed to defend themselves from the Holy Roman Empire. |
1555 |
Peace of Augsburg- the formal acknowledgment that Christianity was divided. The Holy Roman Empire was weakened, however, not all forms of Protestantism were approved of. |
