Christian Humanism

The renaissance focused on religious matters through the study of writings of the early Christian
church, rather than through those of secular authors of Rome and Greece. Centered in the North
Christian Humanism impacted Germany and England. Held an emphasis on education and a need for
church reform. Many Christian humanists were not clergymen, but most early reformers of the church
had been trained as Christian Humanists. Christian Humanism, with its emphasis on toleration and
education, faded due to increasing passions of the Reformation after 1530.
Johann Tetzel
A Dominican monk who was chosen to advertise indulgences in 1517, and did so using extreme
methods so that many people bought them. This caught Luther's attention, and was a major factor
brought on by the catholic church that led to the production of the 95 Theses.
Predestination
This was a classic doctrine that said that God has already chosen who will be saved and who is not so
lucky. John Calvin's belief said that those who are already chosen for salvation must lead, and those
who are damned must be governed. This put an enormous emphasis on discipline when Calvin lead the
reformation that happened in Geneva.
Martin Luther
A Catholic monk who noticed big differences between the Bible and Church practices. He brought the
public's attention to the major problems he saw among high church officials, first with the 95 Theses,
and then with many other written works. The German princes supported him and gave him protection,
because freedom from the Catholic Church would mean freedom from the taxes, unfair tax laws, and it
would limit the churches power over them.
Salvation by faith
The Primary doctrine of the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther believed that humans were not
saved by their good works but through the faith they had.
95 Theses
Luther nailed these to the door of the Wittenberg Castle,in the hopes that the Pope would realize all the
mistakes he is making, and his lack of religious duties. They attacked indulgences and their sale just for
the money to go to the St. Peters Basilica.
Peace of Augsburg
A treaty between Charles V and the German Protestant princes that acknowledged legal recognition of
Lutheranism in Germany., A 1555 agreement stating that the religion of each German state would be
decided by its ruler between the two;Lutheranism and Catholicism.
Edict of Nantes
This was a document published by Henry the Fourth. It granted the Huguenots the freedom to their
morals and the independence of public worship. It was effective in 150 different towns. The reign of
Henry the Fourth and this document helped France reach tyranny and restored internal peace within
France.
John Calvin
The Swiss leader of Protestantism and advocate of predestination. He created an ideology in many
Swiss cantons. His ideas led to a large following in France, known collectively as Huguenots.
Jesuits
A religious order known as the Society of Jesus,that was created to strengthen support of the Church
during the Counter-Reformation. Founded by Ignatius de Loyola in 1534, these "soldiers of the
Counter-Reformation" were committed to doing good deeds in order to achieve salvation.
Council of Trent
Summoned by Pope Paul III to try and determine the Catholic doctrine and spoil Protestant attacks on
Catholic beliefs. The meetings did end several corrupt practices criticized by Reformers within the
Church and reasserted traditional Catholic doctrine.

Huguenots
Converts to Calvinism in France, including many from the French nobility wishing to challenge the
authority of the Catholic monarchy. They were also known by the name of French Protestants.
Queen Elizabeth I
The daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, who assumed the throne when Mary Tudor died. She
was a Protestant and returned England to the Anglican Church, which had been established under her
father.