Protestant Reformation Vocabulary

A German theologian and monk whose 1517 criticisms of the Catholic Church, including his 95 Theses, sparked the Protestant Reformation.

• Martin Luther

• Charles V

• John Calvin

• Gutenburg

In the Catholic Church, an indulgence was a grant by the Pope to reduce the time a soul spent in purgatory, often sold for money, which led to widespread criticism during the Reformation.

• Relic

• Printing Press

• Indulgence

• Crucifix

A German town where Martin Luther famously posted his 95 Theses, challenging the Catholic Church’s practices, making it a center of Reformation activities.

• Frankfurt

• Normandy

• Wittenburg

• Predestination

Holy Roman Emperor during the Reformation, who opposed Martin Luther’s ideas and attempted to maintain Catholic unity across his empire.

• Luther

• Charles V

• John Calvin

• Pope Leo II

A French theologian and pastor who furthered Protestant Reformation ideas, particularly through his teachings on predestination and the establishment of Calvinism.

• Johannes Gutenburg

• Luther

• Charles V

• John Calvin

A theological doctrine, popularized by John Calvin, that God has already determined the salvation or damnation of every individual.

• Heaven

• Predestination

• Damnation

• Transubstantiation

A system of government where religious leaders rule in the name of a divine authority, as seen in Calvin's Geneva.

• Empire

• Democracy

• Monarchy

• Theocracy

A list of arguments against the Catholic Church’s practices, especially indulgences, that Martin Luther posted in 1517, igniting the Protestant Reformation.

• 95 Theses

• 59 Theses

• Pamphlet

• Bible

A branch of Protestantism based on the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing predestination, a strict moral code, and a simple form of worship.

• Calvinism

• Baptist

• Presbyterian

• Roman Catholic

The Church of England, established by Henry VIII after separating from the Catholic Church, blending Protestant and Catholic practices.

• Pilgrim Church

• Catholic Church

• Presbyterian Church

• Anglican Church