Overview
This lecture introduces the Protestant Reformation in Europe and explores how it led to the rise of the Puritans in England, setting the stage for their migration to North America.
The Protestant Reformation in Europe
- Before the 1500s, most of Europe was religiously unified under the Catholic Church.
- Martin Luther, a German monk, criticized the Catholic Church’s practices, especially indulgences, via his 95 Theses in 1517.
- Indulgences were payments to the church for forgiveness of sins, a practice Luther opposed.
- Luther’s intent was reform, but his actions led to a split, creating Lutheranism and other Protestant movements.
- The Protestant Reformation refers to the wave of groups protesting and leaving the Catholic Church.
Diversity among Protestants
- Protestants shared dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church but held very different beliefs from each other.
- Modern Protestant denominations range from conservative (e.g., Southern Baptists) to liberal (e.g., Unitarians).
England and the Protestant Reformation
- King Henry VIII of England broke away from the Catholic Church in the 1530s for personal and financial reasons.
- Henry’s desire to annul his marriage was denied by the Pope, prompting the formation of the Church of England via the 1534 Act of Supremacy.
- The English monarch became both the head of state and of the Church of England.
The Church of England and Its Critics
- The Church of England maintained many Catholic traditions and grand cathedrals.
- Some Protestants in England felt the Church of England did not break away enough from Catholicism.
Rise of the Puritans
- The Puritans aimed to “purify” the Church of England of Catholic practices.
- The term "Puritan" was originally an insult used by others in the Church of England.
- Puritans preferred plain, functional meeting houses over ornate churches.
- Their dissatisfaction with the Church of England grew over time and influenced future moves, including migration to Massachusetts.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Protestant Reformation — a 16th-century movement where groups broke from the Catholic Church to form new Christian denominations.
- 95 Theses — Martin Luther’s list of complaints against the Catholic Church, sparking the Reformation.
- Indulgences — payments to the Church for the forgiveness of sins.
- Excommunication — formal removal from the Catholic Church.
- Church of England — Protestant church established by Henry VIII, separate from Catholicism.
- Puritans — English Protestants who wanted to further reform the Church of England.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read Kenneth Lockridge’s "A New England Town" for background on the Puritan migration.
- Prepare for the next lecture on Puritan disagreements with the English monarchy and their move to Massachusetts.