TN History Textbook: The Reformation and Counter Reformation | Old & New NCERTs for IAS Preparation (Must Read) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


243 242
and Leo X who lived in 15
th
 and 16
th
 centuries with their
activities undermined the respect and prestige of the Church.
2. The Renaissance movement created a spirit of inquiry among
the masses. They began to read the Bible and realized that the
activities of the Church and the clergy were not according to
the precepts of the holy book. In the years preceding the
Reformation, many writers condemned luxurious and
superstitious practices prevalent in the Church. John Wycliffe
(1330-1384) from England criticized the Pope for his authority
and misdeeds. He translated the Bible into English. He is
considered “the Morning Star of the Reformation. Erasmus
(1466-1536) attacked the superstitions followed by the clergy
in his book In Praise of Folly. It was published in 1509. John
Huss (1369-1415), a Bohemian, struggled for reforming the
Church. But he was condemned for his writings against the
Church and burnt to death. These early efforts to reform the
Church sowed the seeds for the Reformation of the 16
th
century.
3. The emergence of nation-states in Europe eroded the political
influence enjoyed by the Church during the Middle Ages. The
Pope and the Emperor lost their influence and power. The
people began to respect their king and the nation. Therefore,
the concept of Universal Church slowly gave way to national
churches.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
The Reformation started in Germany and it
was led by Martin Luther. Martin Luther was born
in Eisleben on November 10, 1483. Luther was
educated at the University of Erfurt. He became a
monk in 1508. In November 1510 he visited Rome.
He was shocked to see the worldly life led by the
MARTIN LUTHER 
The term Reformation refers to a great religious reform
movement in Europe during 16
th
 century. There was a big protest
against the Christian Church in different parts of Europe and it
ultimately resulted in the emergence of Protestant Christian religion.
This great religious movement was not only the evidence of a great
religious change, but also proclaimed the dawn of a new era. The
Reformation started in Germany and later it spread to other countries.
Causes for the Reformation
There are several causes for the Reformation.
1. The Christian Church under the Pope was originally commanded
respect among the people. But in the Middle ages, it had become
a big feudal institution and possessed so much of lands and
wealth. The Popes enjoyed great political influence and
interfered into the political affairs. As a result they began to
neglect their spiritual duties. The Pope and the clergy began to
lead luxurious lives. The Popes like Alexander VI, Julius II
LESSON 23
THE REFORMATION AND COUNTER REFORMATION
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The causes for the Reformation.
2. Martin Luther’s Contribution to the Reformation.
3. Ulrich Zwingli and the Reformation in Switzerland.
4. John Calvin and his contribution to the Reformation.
5. Counter Reformation.
6. The results of the Reformation.
Page 2


243 242
and Leo X who lived in 15
th
 and 16
th
 centuries with their
activities undermined the respect and prestige of the Church.
2. The Renaissance movement created a spirit of inquiry among
the masses. They began to read the Bible and realized that the
activities of the Church and the clergy were not according to
the precepts of the holy book. In the years preceding the
Reformation, many writers condemned luxurious and
superstitious practices prevalent in the Church. John Wycliffe
(1330-1384) from England criticized the Pope for his authority
and misdeeds. He translated the Bible into English. He is
considered “the Morning Star of the Reformation. Erasmus
(1466-1536) attacked the superstitions followed by the clergy
in his book In Praise of Folly. It was published in 1509. John
Huss (1369-1415), a Bohemian, struggled for reforming the
Church. But he was condemned for his writings against the
Church and burnt to death. These early efforts to reform the
Church sowed the seeds for the Reformation of the 16
th
century.
3. The emergence of nation-states in Europe eroded the political
influence enjoyed by the Church during the Middle Ages. The
Pope and the Emperor lost their influence and power. The
people began to respect their king and the nation. Therefore,
the concept of Universal Church slowly gave way to national
churches.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
The Reformation started in Germany and it
was led by Martin Luther. Martin Luther was born
in Eisleben on November 10, 1483. Luther was
educated at the University of Erfurt. He became a
monk in 1508. In November 1510 he visited Rome.
He was shocked to see the worldly life led by the
MARTIN LUTHER 
The term Reformation refers to a great religious reform
movement in Europe during 16
th
 century. There was a big protest
against the Christian Church in different parts of Europe and it
ultimately resulted in the emergence of Protestant Christian religion.
This great religious movement was not only the evidence of a great
religious change, but also proclaimed the dawn of a new era. The
Reformation started in Germany and later it spread to other countries.
Causes for the Reformation
There are several causes for the Reformation.
1. The Christian Church under the Pope was originally commanded
respect among the people. But in the Middle ages, it had become
a big feudal institution and possessed so much of lands and
wealth. The Popes enjoyed great political influence and
interfered into the political affairs. As a result they began to
neglect their spiritual duties. The Pope and the clergy began to
lead luxurious lives. The Popes like Alexander VI, Julius II
LESSON 23
THE REFORMATION AND COUNTER REFORMATION
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The causes for the Reformation.
2. Martin Luther’s Contribution to the Reformation.
3. Ulrich Zwingli and the Reformation in Switzerland.
4. John Calvin and his contribution to the Reformation.
5. Counter Reformation.
6. The results of the Reformation.
245 244
When the rural people of Germany joined this religious protest it
became the Peasants’ War of 1524-1525. The revolt of peasants was
suppressed with an iron hand. Many peasants were massacred. In the
Diet of Spires which met in 1526, the religious question was raised again
by the German princes. The Diet gave permission to the princes to choose
their own religion. But, Emperor Charles V revoked this decision in 1529.
Therefore, the German princes drew up a protest and they came to be
known as “Protestants”. It was only in the Peace of Augsburg in 1555,
formal approval was given by the Emperor to the princes either to remain
Catholic or Lutheran. It gave recognition only to Lutheran sect and not
to Zwinglianism or Calvinism.
Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531)
Ulrich Zwingli paved the way for the Reformation in
Switzerland. He was contemporary of Martin Luther. Born in a rich
family in Switzerland, he became a priest in the Zurich Canton in
1502. He attacked abuses of the Church such as
the sale of indulgences. He spoke openly that the
clergy should strictly follow the principles of the
Bible. Samson was sent to Zurich by the Pope to
sell the indulgences. It was opposed by Zwingli.
Thereafter, his preaching was directed against the
leadership of the Pope, the excessive veneration
of saints, the celibacy of the priesthood, and fasting.
His stand against the celibacy was opposed by the
bishop of Constance. The city council voted in favour of Zwingli and
against the bishop. Thus Zurich adopted the Reformation. In 1523,
Pope sent an order excommunicating Zwingli but, the Zurich Canton
announced its separation from the Church. Five other Cantons
declared a war against Zurich in which Zwingli was killed in 1531.
Finally an agreement was reached between the Cantons by which
each Canton was given freedom to choose their religious sect.
ULRICHZWINGLI 
Roman clergy. In 1512 he received his doctorate in theology from
Wittenberg University. He began his career as a professor of theology
in the same university. Thereafter, Luther began a systematic
campaign for the removal of evils of the Church.
 In 1517, Pope Leo X sent John Tetzel to
Germany to sell  indulgences for the purpose of
raising money to renovate the Saint
Peter’s Church at Rome. An
indulgence was originally meant a
promise given to a sinner for the
remission of punishment if he
repented and confessed his sins. But Pope Leo X
used the sale of indulgences to raise money.
Therefore, Luther opposed the practice of the sale
of indulgences. When John Tetzel visited
Wittenberg, Luther listed the abuse of indulgence in his 95 theses
and nailed it to the doors of the church. Pope Leo X got alarmed and
excommunicated Luther in January 1521. Luther burnt this order in
public.
 Then the Pope appealed to Charles V, the
Holy Roman Emperor, to punish Luther for his
writings against the Church. But Luther had the
support of the German princes. However, he
appeared before Emperor Charles V at the Diet
of Worms in April 1521. Luther was proclaimed
guilty. But before his imprisonment, he was
escorted by his friends and kept at Wartburg
Castle. There he translated New Testament from
original Greek into German language. He published his most popular
book, the Small Catechism, in 1529. Luther led a life of seclusion till
his death in 1546.
POPE LEO X 
JOHN TETZEL 
CHARLES V 
Page 3


243 242
and Leo X who lived in 15
th
 and 16
th
 centuries with their
activities undermined the respect and prestige of the Church.
2. The Renaissance movement created a spirit of inquiry among
the masses. They began to read the Bible and realized that the
activities of the Church and the clergy were not according to
the precepts of the holy book. In the years preceding the
Reformation, many writers condemned luxurious and
superstitious practices prevalent in the Church. John Wycliffe
(1330-1384) from England criticized the Pope for his authority
and misdeeds. He translated the Bible into English. He is
considered “the Morning Star of the Reformation. Erasmus
(1466-1536) attacked the superstitions followed by the clergy
in his book In Praise of Folly. It was published in 1509. John
Huss (1369-1415), a Bohemian, struggled for reforming the
Church. But he was condemned for his writings against the
Church and burnt to death. These early efforts to reform the
Church sowed the seeds for the Reformation of the 16
th
century.
3. The emergence of nation-states in Europe eroded the political
influence enjoyed by the Church during the Middle Ages. The
Pope and the Emperor lost their influence and power. The
people began to respect their king and the nation. Therefore,
the concept of Universal Church slowly gave way to national
churches.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
The Reformation started in Germany and it
was led by Martin Luther. Martin Luther was born
in Eisleben on November 10, 1483. Luther was
educated at the University of Erfurt. He became a
monk in 1508. In November 1510 he visited Rome.
He was shocked to see the worldly life led by the
MARTIN LUTHER 
The term Reformation refers to a great religious reform
movement in Europe during 16
th
 century. There was a big protest
against the Christian Church in different parts of Europe and it
ultimately resulted in the emergence of Protestant Christian religion.
This great religious movement was not only the evidence of a great
religious change, but also proclaimed the dawn of a new era. The
Reformation started in Germany and later it spread to other countries.
Causes for the Reformation
There are several causes for the Reformation.
1. The Christian Church under the Pope was originally commanded
respect among the people. But in the Middle ages, it had become
a big feudal institution and possessed so much of lands and
wealth. The Popes enjoyed great political influence and
interfered into the political affairs. As a result they began to
neglect their spiritual duties. The Pope and the clergy began to
lead luxurious lives. The Popes like Alexander VI, Julius II
LESSON 23
THE REFORMATION AND COUNTER REFORMATION
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The causes for the Reformation.
2. Martin Luther’s Contribution to the Reformation.
3. Ulrich Zwingli and the Reformation in Switzerland.
4. John Calvin and his contribution to the Reformation.
5. Counter Reformation.
6. The results of the Reformation.
245 244
When the rural people of Germany joined this religious protest it
became the Peasants’ War of 1524-1525. The revolt of peasants was
suppressed with an iron hand. Many peasants were massacred. In the
Diet of Spires which met in 1526, the religious question was raised again
by the German princes. The Diet gave permission to the princes to choose
their own religion. But, Emperor Charles V revoked this decision in 1529.
Therefore, the German princes drew up a protest and they came to be
known as “Protestants”. It was only in the Peace of Augsburg in 1555,
formal approval was given by the Emperor to the princes either to remain
Catholic or Lutheran. It gave recognition only to Lutheran sect and not
to Zwinglianism or Calvinism.
Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531)
Ulrich Zwingli paved the way for the Reformation in
Switzerland. He was contemporary of Martin Luther. Born in a rich
family in Switzerland, he became a priest in the Zurich Canton in
1502. He attacked abuses of the Church such as
the sale of indulgences. He spoke openly that the
clergy should strictly follow the principles of the
Bible. Samson was sent to Zurich by the Pope to
sell the indulgences. It was opposed by Zwingli.
Thereafter, his preaching was directed against the
leadership of the Pope, the excessive veneration
of saints, the celibacy of the priesthood, and fasting.
His stand against the celibacy was opposed by the
bishop of Constance. The city council voted in favour of Zwingli and
against the bishop. Thus Zurich adopted the Reformation. In 1523,
Pope sent an order excommunicating Zwingli but, the Zurich Canton
announced its separation from the Church. Five other Cantons
declared a war against Zurich in which Zwingli was killed in 1531.
Finally an agreement was reached between the Cantons by which
each Canton was given freedom to choose their religious sect.
ULRICHZWINGLI 
Roman clergy. In 1512 he received his doctorate in theology from
Wittenberg University. He began his career as a professor of theology
in the same university. Thereafter, Luther began a systematic
campaign for the removal of evils of the Church.
 In 1517, Pope Leo X sent John Tetzel to
Germany to sell  indulgences for the purpose of
raising money to renovate the Saint
Peter’s Church at Rome. An
indulgence was originally meant a
promise given to a sinner for the
remission of punishment if he
repented and confessed his sins. But Pope Leo X
used the sale of indulgences to raise money.
Therefore, Luther opposed the practice of the sale
of indulgences. When John Tetzel visited
Wittenberg, Luther listed the abuse of indulgence in his 95 theses
and nailed it to the doors of the church. Pope Leo X got alarmed and
excommunicated Luther in January 1521. Luther burnt this order in
public.
 Then the Pope appealed to Charles V, the
Holy Roman Emperor, to punish Luther for his
writings against the Church. But Luther had the
support of the German princes. However, he
appeared before Emperor Charles V at the Diet
of Worms in April 1521. Luther was proclaimed
guilty. But before his imprisonment, he was
escorted by his friends and kept at Wartburg
Castle. There he translated New Testament from
original Greek into German language. He published his most popular
book, the Small Catechism, in 1529. Luther led a life of seclusion till
his death in 1546.
POPE LEO X 
JOHN TETZEL 
CHARLES V 
247 246
Protestant in the reign of Edward VI (1547-1553). The service books
were translated into English.
Counter-Reformation
The success of the Reformation movement created a great
awe and fear in the Roman Catholic Church. Before things went out
of control, it took drastic measures to check the spread of the
Protestant religion and also to carry out reforms within itself. This
process was known as Counter-Reformation.
Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) was a Spanish soldier and lost his
legs in a war. Thereafter, he decided to contribute his might to the
cause of the Roman Catholic Church. Loyola
founded the Society of Jesus in 1534 and it was
recognized by the Pope. The aim of this Society
was to reform and restore the glory of the Catholic
Church. Members of the society were known as
Jesuits. They worked hard to earn good name for
the Catholic Church through their dedicated service.
They established schools and colleges in several
parts of the world. They achieved a remarkable
success in their missionary activities. They remained faithful to the
Pope and the Catholic religion.
The Council of Trent (1545-1563) introduced several reforms in
the Catholic Church. The most glaring abuses of the clergy were
removed. Celibacy was strictly enforced for them. The sale of offices
was stopped. The practice of the sale of indulgences was abolished. It
also stressed that clergy adhere more strictly to their duties. The Pope
was recognized as the supreme authority in the matters of religion.
An Index consisting of the list of dangerous and heretical books
was issued by the Church. The Catholics were prohibited from reading
these books.
IGNATIUS  LOYOLA
John Calvin (1509-1564)
The French protest reformer John Calvin was
born in France. He studied humanities and Law at
the University of Paris. He obtained in 1532, Doctor
of Law. His first published work was a commentary
on Roman philosopher Seneca’s De Clementia. In
1536, he settled in Geneva. His main teachings are
that the Bible alone is the final authority for matters
of faith and that salvation is attained purely through
grace. He subscribed to the doctrine of the absolute
fore-knowledge and the determining power of God. Calvin published
his religious doctrines as a book called The
Institutes of Christian Religion. His religious
sect was own as Calvinism. He became the head
of the church in Geneva. He established several
schools for the spread of education. He was also
the founder of the University of Geneva.
Calvinism had spread to many parts of Europe.
Reformation in England
 King Henry VIII of England initially
opposed Martin  Luther and supported the Pope. He was called “the
Defender of Faith” by Pope Leo X. This relationship
with the Pope broke down when the Pope refused
to permit King Henry VIII to marry Anne Boleyn
after divorcing his queen. He asked the Parliament
to pass an Act of Supremacy in 1534 by which the
king was made the head of the Church of England.
This new Church independent of the authority of
Pope was called the Anglican Church. Henry VIII
did not introduce any changes in the Catholic
doctrines. But the Anglican Church became really
JOHN CALVIN 
HENTRY VIII 
EDWARD VI 
Page 4


243 242
and Leo X who lived in 15
th
 and 16
th
 centuries with their
activities undermined the respect and prestige of the Church.
2. The Renaissance movement created a spirit of inquiry among
the masses. They began to read the Bible and realized that the
activities of the Church and the clergy were not according to
the precepts of the holy book. In the years preceding the
Reformation, many writers condemned luxurious and
superstitious practices prevalent in the Church. John Wycliffe
(1330-1384) from England criticized the Pope for his authority
and misdeeds. He translated the Bible into English. He is
considered “the Morning Star of the Reformation. Erasmus
(1466-1536) attacked the superstitions followed by the clergy
in his book In Praise of Folly. It was published in 1509. John
Huss (1369-1415), a Bohemian, struggled for reforming the
Church. But he was condemned for his writings against the
Church and burnt to death. These early efforts to reform the
Church sowed the seeds for the Reformation of the 16
th
century.
3. The emergence of nation-states in Europe eroded the political
influence enjoyed by the Church during the Middle Ages. The
Pope and the Emperor lost their influence and power. The
people began to respect their king and the nation. Therefore,
the concept of Universal Church slowly gave way to national
churches.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
The Reformation started in Germany and it
was led by Martin Luther. Martin Luther was born
in Eisleben on November 10, 1483. Luther was
educated at the University of Erfurt. He became a
monk in 1508. In November 1510 he visited Rome.
He was shocked to see the worldly life led by the
MARTIN LUTHER 
The term Reformation refers to a great religious reform
movement in Europe during 16
th
 century. There was a big protest
against the Christian Church in different parts of Europe and it
ultimately resulted in the emergence of Protestant Christian religion.
This great religious movement was not only the evidence of a great
religious change, but also proclaimed the dawn of a new era. The
Reformation started in Germany and later it spread to other countries.
Causes for the Reformation
There are several causes for the Reformation.
1. The Christian Church under the Pope was originally commanded
respect among the people. But in the Middle ages, it had become
a big feudal institution and possessed so much of lands and
wealth. The Popes enjoyed great political influence and
interfered into the political affairs. As a result they began to
neglect their spiritual duties. The Pope and the clergy began to
lead luxurious lives. The Popes like Alexander VI, Julius II
LESSON 23
THE REFORMATION AND COUNTER REFORMATION
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The causes for the Reformation.
2. Martin Luther’s Contribution to the Reformation.
3. Ulrich Zwingli and the Reformation in Switzerland.
4. John Calvin and his contribution to the Reformation.
5. Counter Reformation.
6. The results of the Reformation.
245 244
When the rural people of Germany joined this religious protest it
became the Peasants’ War of 1524-1525. The revolt of peasants was
suppressed with an iron hand. Many peasants were massacred. In the
Diet of Spires which met in 1526, the religious question was raised again
by the German princes. The Diet gave permission to the princes to choose
their own religion. But, Emperor Charles V revoked this decision in 1529.
Therefore, the German princes drew up a protest and they came to be
known as “Protestants”. It was only in the Peace of Augsburg in 1555,
formal approval was given by the Emperor to the princes either to remain
Catholic or Lutheran. It gave recognition only to Lutheran sect and not
to Zwinglianism or Calvinism.
Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531)
Ulrich Zwingli paved the way for the Reformation in
Switzerland. He was contemporary of Martin Luther. Born in a rich
family in Switzerland, he became a priest in the Zurich Canton in
1502. He attacked abuses of the Church such as
the sale of indulgences. He spoke openly that the
clergy should strictly follow the principles of the
Bible. Samson was sent to Zurich by the Pope to
sell the indulgences. It was opposed by Zwingli.
Thereafter, his preaching was directed against the
leadership of the Pope, the excessive veneration
of saints, the celibacy of the priesthood, and fasting.
His stand against the celibacy was opposed by the
bishop of Constance. The city council voted in favour of Zwingli and
against the bishop. Thus Zurich adopted the Reformation. In 1523,
Pope sent an order excommunicating Zwingli but, the Zurich Canton
announced its separation from the Church. Five other Cantons
declared a war against Zurich in which Zwingli was killed in 1531.
Finally an agreement was reached between the Cantons by which
each Canton was given freedom to choose their religious sect.
ULRICHZWINGLI 
Roman clergy. In 1512 he received his doctorate in theology from
Wittenberg University. He began his career as a professor of theology
in the same university. Thereafter, Luther began a systematic
campaign for the removal of evils of the Church.
 In 1517, Pope Leo X sent John Tetzel to
Germany to sell  indulgences for the purpose of
raising money to renovate the Saint
Peter’s Church at Rome. An
indulgence was originally meant a
promise given to a sinner for the
remission of punishment if he
repented and confessed his sins. But Pope Leo X
used the sale of indulgences to raise money.
Therefore, Luther opposed the practice of the sale
of indulgences. When John Tetzel visited
Wittenberg, Luther listed the abuse of indulgence in his 95 theses
and nailed it to the doors of the church. Pope Leo X got alarmed and
excommunicated Luther in January 1521. Luther burnt this order in
public.
 Then the Pope appealed to Charles V, the
Holy Roman Emperor, to punish Luther for his
writings against the Church. But Luther had the
support of the German princes. However, he
appeared before Emperor Charles V at the Diet
of Worms in April 1521. Luther was proclaimed
guilty. But before his imprisonment, he was
escorted by his friends and kept at Wartburg
Castle. There he translated New Testament from
original Greek into German language. He published his most popular
book, the Small Catechism, in 1529. Luther led a life of seclusion till
his death in 1546.
POPE LEO X 
JOHN TETZEL 
CHARLES V 
247 246
Protestant in the reign of Edward VI (1547-1553). The service books
were translated into English.
Counter-Reformation
The success of the Reformation movement created a great
awe and fear in the Roman Catholic Church. Before things went out
of control, it took drastic measures to check the spread of the
Protestant religion and also to carry out reforms within itself. This
process was known as Counter-Reformation.
Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) was a Spanish soldier and lost his
legs in a war. Thereafter, he decided to contribute his might to the
cause of the Roman Catholic Church. Loyola
founded the Society of Jesus in 1534 and it was
recognized by the Pope. The aim of this Society
was to reform and restore the glory of the Catholic
Church. Members of the society were known as
Jesuits. They worked hard to earn good name for
the Catholic Church through their dedicated service.
They established schools and colleges in several
parts of the world. They achieved a remarkable
success in their missionary activities. They remained faithful to the
Pope and the Catholic religion.
The Council of Trent (1545-1563) introduced several reforms in
the Catholic Church. The most glaring abuses of the clergy were
removed. Celibacy was strictly enforced for them. The sale of offices
was stopped. The practice of the sale of indulgences was abolished. It
also stressed that clergy adhere more strictly to their duties. The Pope
was recognized as the supreme authority in the matters of religion.
An Index consisting of the list of dangerous and heretical books
was issued by the Church. The Catholics were prohibited from reading
these books.
IGNATIUS  LOYOLA
John Calvin (1509-1564)
The French protest reformer John Calvin was
born in France. He studied humanities and Law at
the University of Paris. He obtained in 1532, Doctor
of Law. His first published work was a commentary
on Roman philosopher Seneca’s De Clementia. In
1536, he settled in Geneva. His main teachings are
that the Bible alone is the final authority for matters
of faith and that salvation is attained purely through
grace. He subscribed to the doctrine of the absolute
fore-knowledge and the determining power of God. Calvin published
his religious doctrines as a book called The
Institutes of Christian Religion. His religious
sect was own as Calvinism. He became the head
of the church in Geneva. He established several
schools for the spread of education. He was also
the founder of the University of Geneva.
Calvinism had spread to many parts of Europe.
Reformation in England
 King Henry VIII of England initially
opposed Martin  Luther and supported the Pope. He was called “the
Defender of Faith” by Pope Leo X. This relationship
with the Pope broke down when the Pope refused
to permit King Henry VIII to marry Anne Boleyn
after divorcing his queen. He asked the Parliament
to pass an Act of Supremacy in 1534 by which the
king was made the head of the Church of England.
This new Church independent of the authority of
Pope was called the Anglican Church. Henry VIII
did not introduce any changes in the Catholic
doctrines. But the Anglican Church became really
JOHN CALVIN 
HENTRY VIII 
EDWARD VI 
249 248
3. The democratic church system paved the way for the growth
of democracy and nationalism. The nations began to evolve
their own churches. The place of Pope was taken by the
nationalistic churches.
4. The rapid progress of the Protestant religion and the counter-
Reformation ultimately resulted in the purification of the Church.
Both Catholics and Protestants began to adopt high moral
standards after the Reformation. The Catholics purified their
Church establishments and this in turn improved the values in
the society.
Learning Outcome
After learning this lesson the students will be to explain
1. The abuses in the Church and other factors led to the
Reformation.
2. The life and work of Martin Luther in bringing the
Reformation in Germany.
3. The role of John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli in the
Reformation.
4. The process of Counter Reformation and the role of Ignatius
Loyola.
5. The results of the Reformation.
Similarly the medieval practice of Ecclesiastical Court of
Inquisition was revived. Torture was used to extract confession.
Severe punishments such as burning to death were employed against
the enemies of the Church.
The success of the Counter Reformation can be understood
from the fact that the rapid spread of Protestantism was halted.
Southern Germany, France, Poland, some of the Swiss cantons, and
Savoy were brought back to the Catholic faith. At the same time
Protestantism was driven out of Italy and Spain. The Roman Catholic
Church is still one of the greatest religious organizations in the world.
Important Historical Events of Reformation
1492 Columbus claims Bahama Islands and Cuba for Spain
1517 Martin Luther writes the Ninety-Five Theses
1522 Luther translates the Bible into German
1525 Peasant uprising in Germany
1559 Anglican Church established in England, with the
king/queen as its head
Effects of Reformation
The important results of the Reformation were:
1. The Reformation led to two major divisions in Christianity –
Catholics and Protestants. This division had resulted in religious
persecution and religious wars Germany and in other parts of
Europe.
2. People were encouraged to read the Bible and ponder on
religion. The freedom given by the Protestants to interpret the
Bible led to free thinking. It encouraged the development of
art, literature and science.
Page 5


243 242
and Leo X who lived in 15
th
 and 16
th
 centuries with their
activities undermined the respect and prestige of the Church.
2. The Renaissance movement created a spirit of inquiry among
the masses. They began to read the Bible and realized that the
activities of the Church and the clergy were not according to
the precepts of the holy book. In the years preceding the
Reformation, many writers condemned luxurious and
superstitious practices prevalent in the Church. John Wycliffe
(1330-1384) from England criticized the Pope for his authority
and misdeeds. He translated the Bible into English. He is
considered “the Morning Star of the Reformation. Erasmus
(1466-1536) attacked the superstitions followed by the clergy
in his book In Praise of Folly. It was published in 1509. John
Huss (1369-1415), a Bohemian, struggled for reforming the
Church. But he was condemned for his writings against the
Church and burnt to death. These early efforts to reform the
Church sowed the seeds for the Reformation of the 16
th
century.
3. The emergence of nation-states in Europe eroded the political
influence enjoyed by the Church during the Middle Ages. The
Pope and the Emperor lost their influence and power. The
people began to respect their king and the nation. Therefore,
the concept of Universal Church slowly gave way to national
churches.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
The Reformation started in Germany and it
was led by Martin Luther. Martin Luther was born
in Eisleben on November 10, 1483. Luther was
educated at the University of Erfurt. He became a
monk in 1508. In November 1510 he visited Rome.
He was shocked to see the worldly life led by the
MARTIN LUTHER 
The term Reformation refers to a great religious reform
movement in Europe during 16
th
 century. There was a big protest
against the Christian Church in different parts of Europe and it
ultimately resulted in the emergence of Protestant Christian religion.
This great religious movement was not only the evidence of a great
religious change, but also proclaimed the dawn of a new era. The
Reformation started in Germany and later it spread to other countries.
Causes for the Reformation
There are several causes for the Reformation.
1. The Christian Church under the Pope was originally commanded
respect among the people. But in the Middle ages, it had become
a big feudal institution and possessed so much of lands and
wealth. The Popes enjoyed great political influence and
interfered into the political affairs. As a result they began to
neglect their spiritual duties. The Pope and the clergy began to
lead luxurious lives. The Popes like Alexander VI, Julius II
LESSON 23
THE REFORMATION AND COUNTER REFORMATION
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The causes for the Reformation.
2. Martin Luther’s Contribution to the Reformation.
3. Ulrich Zwingli and the Reformation in Switzerland.
4. John Calvin and his contribution to the Reformation.
5. Counter Reformation.
6. The results of the Reformation.
245 244
When the rural people of Germany joined this religious protest it
became the Peasants’ War of 1524-1525. The revolt of peasants was
suppressed with an iron hand. Many peasants were massacred. In the
Diet of Spires which met in 1526, the religious question was raised again
by the German princes. The Diet gave permission to the princes to choose
their own religion. But, Emperor Charles V revoked this decision in 1529.
Therefore, the German princes drew up a protest and they came to be
known as “Protestants”. It was only in the Peace of Augsburg in 1555,
formal approval was given by the Emperor to the princes either to remain
Catholic or Lutheran. It gave recognition only to Lutheran sect and not
to Zwinglianism or Calvinism.
Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531)
Ulrich Zwingli paved the way for the Reformation in
Switzerland. He was contemporary of Martin Luther. Born in a rich
family in Switzerland, he became a priest in the Zurich Canton in
1502. He attacked abuses of the Church such as
the sale of indulgences. He spoke openly that the
clergy should strictly follow the principles of the
Bible. Samson was sent to Zurich by the Pope to
sell the indulgences. It was opposed by Zwingli.
Thereafter, his preaching was directed against the
leadership of the Pope, the excessive veneration
of saints, the celibacy of the priesthood, and fasting.
His stand against the celibacy was opposed by the
bishop of Constance. The city council voted in favour of Zwingli and
against the bishop. Thus Zurich adopted the Reformation. In 1523,
Pope sent an order excommunicating Zwingli but, the Zurich Canton
announced its separation from the Church. Five other Cantons
declared a war against Zurich in which Zwingli was killed in 1531.
Finally an agreement was reached between the Cantons by which
each Canton was given freedom to choose their religious sect.
ULRICHZWINGLI 
Roman clergy. In 1512 he received his doctorate in theology from
Wittenberg University. He began his career as a professor of theology
in the same university. Thereafter, Luther began a systematic
campaign for the removal of evils of the Church.
 In 1517, Pope Leo X sent John Tetzel to
Germany to sell  indulgences for the purpose of
raising money to renovate the Saint
Peter’s Church at Rome. An
indulgence was originally meant a
promise given to a sinner for the
remission of punishment if he
repented and confessed his sins. But Pope Leo X
used the sale of indulgences to raise money.
Therefore, Luther opposed the practice of the sale
of indulgences. When John Tetzel visited
Wittenberg, Luther listed the abuse of indulgence in his 95 theses
and nailed it to the doors of the church. Pope Leo X got alarmed and
excommunicated Luther in January 1521. Luther burnt this order in
public.
 Then the Pope appealed to Charles V, the
Holy Roman Emperor, to punish Luther for his
writings against the Church. But Luther had the
support of the German princes. However, he
appeared before Emperor Charles V at the Diet
of Worms in April 1521. Luther was proclaimed
guilty. But before his imprisonment, he was
escorted by his friends and kept at Wartburg
Castle. There he translated New Testament from
original Greek into German language. He published his most popular
book, the Small Catechism, in 1529. Luther led a life of seclusion till
his death in 1546.
POPE LEO X 
JOHN TETZEL 
CHARLES V 
247 246
Protestant in the reign of Edward VI (1547-1553). The service books
were translated into English.
Counter-Reformation
The success of the Reformation movement created a great
awe and fear in the Roman Catholic Church. Before things went out
of control, it took drastic measures to check the spread of the
Protestant religion and also to carry out reforms within itself. This
process was known as Counter-Reformation.
Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) was a Spanish soldier and lost his
legs in a war. Thereafter, he decided to contribute his might to the
cause of the Roman Catholic Church. Loyola
founded the Society of Jesus in 1534 and it was
recognized by the Pope. The aim of this Society
was to reform and restore the glory of the Catholic
Church. Members of the society were known as
Jesuits. They worked hard to earn good name for
the Catholic Church through their dedicated service.
They established schools and colleges in several
parts of the world. They achieved a remarkable
success in their missionary activities. They remained faithful to the
Pope and the Catholic religion.
The Council of Trent (1545-1563) introduced several reforms in
the Catholic Church. The most glaring abuses of the clergy were
removed. Celibacy was strictly enforced for them. The sale of offices
was stopped. The practice of the sale of indulgences was abolished. It
also stressed that clergy adhere more strictly to their duties. The Pope
was recognized as the supreme authority in the matters of religion.
An Index consisting of the list of dangerous and heretical books
was issued by the Church. The Catholics were prohibited from reading
these books.
IGNATIUS  LOYOLA
John Calvin (1509-1564)
The French protest reformer John Calvin was
born in France. He studied humanities and Law at
the University of Paris. He obtained in 1532, Doctor
of Law. His first published work was a commentary
on Roman philosopher Seneca’s De Clementia. In
1536, he settled in Geneva. His main teachings are
that the Bible alone is the final authority for matters
of faith and that salvation is attained purely through
grace. He subscribed to the doctrine of the absolute
fore-knowledge and the determining power of God. Calvin published
his religious doctrines as a book called The
Institutes of Christian Religion. His religious
sect was own as Calvinism. He became the head
of the church in Geneva. He established several
schools for the spread of education. He was also
the founder of the University of Geneva.
Calvinism had spread to many parts of Europe.
Reformation in England
 King Henry VIII of England initially
opposed Martin  Luther and supported the Pope. He was called “the
Defender of Faith” by Pope Leo X. This relationship
with the Pope broke down when the Pope refused
to permit King Henry VIII to marry Anne Boleyn
after divorcing his queen. He asked the Parliament
to pass an Act of Supremacy in 1534 by which the
king was made the head of the Church of England.
This new Church independent of the authority of
Pope was called the Anglican Church. Henry VIII
did not introduce any changes in the Catholic
doctrines. But the Anglican Church became really
JOHN CALVIN 
HENTRY VIII 
EDWARD VI 
249 248
3. The democratic church system paved the way for the growth
of democracy and nationalism. The nations began to evolve
their own churches. The place of Pope was taken by the
nationalistic churches.
4. The rapid progress of the Protestant religion and the counter-
Reformation ultimately resulted in the purification of the Church.
Both Catholics and Protestants began to adopt high moral
standards after the Reformation. The Catholics purified their
Church establishments and this in turn improved the values in
the society.
Learning Outcome
After learning this lesson the students will be to explain
1. The abuses in the Church and other factors led to the
Reformation.
2. The life and work of Martin Luther in bringing the
Reformation in Germany.
3. The role of John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli in the
Reformation.
4. The process of Counter Reformation and the role of Ignatius
Loyola.
5. The results of the Reformation.
Similarly the medieval practice of Ecclesiastical Court of
Inquisition was revived. Torture was used to extract confession.
Severe punishments such as burning to death were employed against
the enemies of the Church.
The success of the Counter Reformation can be understood
from the fact that the rapid spread of Protestantism was halted.
Southern Germany, France, Poland, some of the Swiss cantons, and
Savoy were brought back to the Catholic faith. At the same time
Protestantism was driven out of Italy and Spain. The Roman Catholic
Church is still one of the greatest religious organizations in the world.
Important Historical Events of Reformation
1492 Columbus claims Bahama Islands and Cuba for Spain
1517 Martin Luther writes the Ninety-Five Theses
1522 Luther translates the Bible into German
1525 Peasant uprising in Germany
1559 Anglican Church established in England, with the
king/queen as its head
Effects of Reformation
The important results of the Reformation were:
1. The Reformation led to two major divisions in Christianity –
Catholics and Protestants. This division had resulted in religious
persecution and religious wars Germany and in other parts of
Europe.
2. People were encouraged to read the Bible and ponder on
religion. The freedom given by the Protestants to interpret the
Bible led to free thinking. It encouraged the development of
art, literature and science.
251 250
IV. Find out the correct statement. One statement alone is
right.
a) The Counter Reformation was launched by the Protestants.
b) The followers of Ignatius Loyola contributed for the spread of
education.
c) The Trent Council was convened by Henry VIII.
d) During the Counter Reformation an Index consisting of the list
of good books was issued by the Church.
V. State whether the following statements are True or False.
1. King Henry VIII of England initially supported Martin  Luther
and opposed the Pope.
2. The Anglican Church became really Protestant in the reign of
Edward.
VI. Write short notes (Any three points).
1. Ulrich Zwingli
2. Counter Reformation
3. Society of Jesus
VII. Answer briefly (100 words).
1. Discuss the role of John Calvin in the Reformation.
2. Evaluate the effects of the Reformation.
VIII. Answer in detail (200 words).
1. Examine the causes for the Reformation.
2. Analyse the contribution of Martin Luther for the Reformation
in Germany.
3. Discuss the course of the Counter Reformation.
MODEL QUESTIONS
I. Choose the correct answer.
1. Which among the following was not a reason for the
Reformation?
(a) The Spirit of enquiry created by the Renaissance
(b) Emergence of nation-states in Europe
(c) The Geographical discoveries
(d) The luxurious life led by the Pope and the Clergy.
2. Who is considered as the ‘morning star of the Reformation’?
(a) Erasmus (b) Martin Luther
(c) John Huss (d) John Wycliffe
II. Fill in the blanks.
1. The Society of Jesus was founded by …….
2. The founder of the University of Geneva was ……
III. Match the following.
1. Martin Luther a. France
2. Ulrich Zwingli b. Spain
3. John Calvin c. Germany
4. Ignatius Loyola d. England
5. John Wycliffe e. Switzerland