From polytheism to monotheism, trends in religion have endured lots of change. Each new major trend in religion also effects the way the countries and civilizations function. For example, the worshipping of Greek gods affected the way the Greek people lived. Another example, when Rome made the shift from polytheism to Christianity, many things changed including laws and customs of the people. While the religion changes in Germany were arguably not that drastic, the Protestant Reformation effected history in a big way. Currently, over 60% of Germans identify as Christian, with about 30% being Protestant and 30% being Catholic. While 60% may not seem like a large amount of people, it is explained by the fact that most Germans are not religious
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Catholic practices that were wanted to change were certain teaching practices, and also the giving away of indulgences. Indulgences were “the remission of punishment due for sins which had already been confessed and absolution given.” In a more comprehensible manner, indulgences are the taking away of punishment for sins you’ve committed and confessed. The giving away of indulgences became a problem for the people who wanted reforms because “professional pardoners” were selling indulgences unrestrictedly. The widespread resistance to this practice of selling indulgences started when Johann Tetzel was sent to Germany by Pope Leo X to sell indulgences as a way to raise money so that St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome could be rebuilt. One year later, Martin Luther wrote his 95 theses. His 95 theses was a direct objection to the Catholic church’s practice of indulgences. What Luther disagreed with is that he believed the Pope did not have the right to grant forgiveness of sins. After his copy of the 95 theses was nailed to the church door, it was translated from German to Latin and spread across Europe, starting the Protestant …show more content…
Just as it had been for the past 1,000 years, Catholics wanted the bible to stay in Latin. However, the Protestants disagreed, and thought that the bible should be in the language of the people reading it. For the Catholics, a Latin bible meant the priests were the only ones that had direct access to the bible, and could in theory tell anything they wanted to the congregation because the congregation couldn’t read it on their own. From the Protestant view, they wanted ordinary people to have access to and be able to understand the bible. A major difference between Protestants and Catholics was their fondness for “shiny things.” Catholics most always were keen on elaborate and decorative things. Catholics believed that churches were a place to celebrate God, and decorated with statues and shrines. Protestants however, believed the exact opposite. According to Protestants, churches should be plain. If the churches were not plain, the congregation could not concentrate on the most important part, the sermon. Another significant difference between Catholics and Protestants were their outlooks on priests. Catholics thought that priests were the direct link to God and people. They also believed that the pope was ordained by God. A Catholic priest would be expected to wear very elaborate robes. In contrast, a Protestant minister was not necessarily needed. Protestants believed that people could find
Catholic practices that were wanted to change were certain teaching practices, and also the giving away of indulgences. Indulgences were “the remission of punishment due for sins which had already been confessed and absolution given.” In a more comprehensible manner, indulgences are the taking away of punishment for sins you’ve committed and confessed. The giving away of indulgences became a problem for the people who wanted reforms because “professional pardoners” were selling indulgences unrestrictedly. The widespread resistance to this practice of selling indulgences started when Johann Tetzel was sent to Germany by Pope Leo X to sell indulgences as a way to raise money so that St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome could be rebuilt. One year later, Martin Luther wrote his 95 theses. His 95 theses was a direct objection to the Catholic church’s practice of indulgences. What Luther disagreed with is that he believed the Pope did not have the right to grant forgiveness of sins. After his copy of the 95 theses was nailed to the church door, it was translated from German to Latin and spread across Europe, starting the Protestant …show more content…
Just as it had been for the past 1,000 years, Catholics wanted the bible to stay in Latin. However, the Protestants disagreed, and thought that the bible should be in the language of the people reading it. For the Catholics, a Latin bible meant the priests were the only ones that had direct access to the bible, and could in theory tell anything they wanted to the congregation because the congregation couldn’t read it on their own. From the Protestant view, they wanted ordinary people to have access to and be able to understand the bible. A major difference between Protestants and Catholics was their fondness for “shiny things.” Catholics most always were keen on elaborate and decorative things. Catholics believed that churches were a place to celebrate God, and decorated with statues and shrines. Protestants however, believed the exact opposite. According to Protestants, churches should be plain. If the churches were not plain, the congregation could not concentrate on the most important part, the sermon. Another significant difference between Catholics and Protestants were their outlooks on priests. Catholics thought that priests were the direct link to God and people. They also believed that the pope was ordained by God. A Catholic priest would be expected to wear very elaborate robes. In contrast, a Protestant minister was not necessarily needed. Protestants believed that people could find