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Protestantism (The Ninety-Five Theses)

The Reformation History Pre-Reformation movements Hussites  • Lollards  • Waldensians Reformation era movements Anabaptism • Anglicanism • Calvinism • Counter-Reformation • Lutheranism • Polish Brethren • Remonstrants

Etymology

Protestant iconoclasm: the Beeldenstorm during the Dutch reformation.

Luther's 95 theses

Protestant doctrines

• Sola scriptura maintains that the Bible (rather than church tradition or ecclesiastical interpretations of the Bible)^[4] is the final source of authority for all Christians.
• Sola fide holds that salvation comes by faith alone in Jesus as the Christ, rather than through good works.

Conservative/Liberal

Dissension in the ranks of Protestantism

History

Fundamental principles

• Authority of Scripture

The belief in the Bible as the primary source of faith. .The early churches of the Reformation believed in a critical, yet serious, reading of Scripture and holding the Bible as a source of authority higher than that of Church Tradition.^ They had condemned abuses, and pointed out the doctrinal errors in which these abuses had their source, and they had called for a purging out of scandalous persons in short, a reform of the existing Church.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ "Brother," said the Reformer, "I have never read in the Scripture of God of such a place as purgatory, nor yet believe I there is anything that can purge the souls of men but the blood of Jesus Christ."

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ The Bible was emphatically the nation's one great teacher; it was stamping its own ineffaceable character upon the Scottish Reformation; and the place the Bible this early made for itself in the people's affections, and the authority it acquired over their judgments, it was destined never to lose.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.The many abuses that had occurred in the Western Church prior to the Protestant Reformation led the Reformers to reject much of the Tradition of the Western Church, though some would maintain Tradition has been maintained and reorganized in the liturgy and in the confessions of the Protestant Churches of the Reformation.^ They had condemned abuses, and pointed out the doctrinal errors in which these abuses had their source, and they had called for a purging out of scandalous persons in short, a reform of the existing Church.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ He had, too, received legal guarantees from the State that the abolished jurisdiction would not be restored, and that the Protestant Church would have liberty and protection given it in the exercise of its worship and the administration of its discipline.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ In none of the Confessions of the Reformation had the Church been so clearly set forth as a distinct and, in spiritual matters, independent society as it was in this one.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

In the early 20th century there developed a less critical reading of the Bible in the United States that has led to a "fundamentalist" reading of Scripture. .Christian Fundamentalists read the Bible as the "inerrant, infallible" Word of God, much like fundamentalist Muslims would read the Qu'ran.^ Turning to Hamilton, the prior exclaimed, "Heretic, thou saidst it was lawful to all men to read the Word of God, and especially the New Testament."

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

• Justification by Faith Alone

The subjective principle of the Reformation is justification by .faith alone, or, rather, by free grace through faith operative in good works.^ These ran: "That a man is not justified by works, but by faith alone," and "that good works do not make a good man, but that a good man makes good works."

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.It has reference to the personal appropriation of the Christian salvation, and aims to give all glory to Christ, by declaring that the sinner is justified before God (i.e., is acquitted of guilt, and declared righteous) solely on the ground of the all-sufficient merits of Christ as apprehended by a living faith, in opposition to the theory—then prevalent, and substantially sanctioned by "the Council of Trent—which makes faith and good works co-ordinate sources of justification, laying the chief stress upon works.^ These ran: "That a man is not justified by works, but by faith alone," and "that good works do not make a good man, but that a good man makes good works."

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ Colonel Mansel was one of the first to be arraigned on a charge so supported; but he was acquitted by the Attorney-General, who, in addition to finding Mansel innocent, declared that this appeared "a design of the Papists to lay the plot upon the Dissenters."

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ This task required no little invention, for the Dutch had not only behaved with perfect good faith, but had studied not to give offense to England.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.Protestantism does not depreciate good works; but it denies their value as sources or conditions of justification, and insists on them as the necessary fruits of faith, and evidence of justification."^ These ran: "That a man is not justified by works, but by faith alone," and "that good works do not make a good man, but that a good man makes good works."

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^[6]

• Universal Priesthood of Believers

The universal priesthood of believers implies the right and duty of the .Christian laity not only to read the Bible in the vernacular, but also to take part in the government and all the public affairs of the Church.^ This Act required, "That all persons bearing any office, or place of trust and profit, shall take the oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance in public and open court, and shall also receive the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper according to the usage of the Church of England."

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ This scheme gave to every member of the Church, directly or indirectly, a voice fix her government; it was a truly popular rule, but acting only through constitutional channels, and determining all cases by the laws of Scripture.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ All over the western counties of Ayr and Lanark; over many parts of Lothian, Fife, Eskdale, Teviot-dale, and Nithsdale the churches were closed.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

It is opposed to the hierarchical system which puts the essence and authority of the Church in an exclusive priesthood, and makes ordained priests the necessary mediators between God and the people.^[6]

Major groupings

• "Mainline Protestants," a North American phrase, are Christians who trace their tradition's lineage to Lutheranism, Calvinism or Anglicanism. .These groups are often considered to be part of the Magisterial Reformation and traditionally have adhered to the central doctrines and principles of the Reformation.^ They had condemned abuses, and pointed out the doctrinal errors in which these abuses had their source, and they had called for a purging out of scandalous persons in short, a reform of the existing Church.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  Lutheranism, Calvinism, and a Zwinglian theology are typically mainline, and as denominations, "mainline" is typically seen as referring to Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglican/Episcopalian, and Lutherans, all large denominations with significant liberal and conservative wings.
• Anabaptists (lit. "baptized twice") were so named from the fact that they re-baptised converts. While not all agree, today's scholars believe that Anabaptists, by name, began with the Radical Reformers in the 16th century. A minority of other people and groups may still legitimately claim that there were earlier forerunners. A full discussion of the origins of the Anabaptists is available at the article on their origins.
• Baptists do not believe baptism is a sacrament. They practice believer's baptism by immersion. .The predominant view of Baptist origins is that Baptists came along in historical development in the century after the rise of the original Protestant denominations.^ Side by side with this development went the political struggle between nations originally of Catholic culture and the regions of the new Protestant culture.
  • The Heresy of Protestantism 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC www.catholicapologetics.info [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^ A Historical Development of the Relationship between the South and the North Korean Protestant Churches: From 1945 to the Beginning 21st century.” Chongshin Theological Journal 13:1 (February 2008): 168-187.
  • Korean History Bibliography: Religion and Philosophy - Christianity 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC www.hawaii.edu [Source type: Academic]
  
  ^ The view of suffering by the Word-Faith teaching represents the basic view of many Protestant denominations regarding suffering (although in an extreme form).
  • Is Protestant Teaching Unbiblical? 16 January 2010 17:32 UTC www.northforest.org [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^[7] .This perspective on Baptist history holds that the Baptist faith originated from within the Separatist movement─Protestant Christians that decided they must leave the Church of England because of their dissatisfaction that it had not made corrections of what some considered to be errors and abuses in Catholicism.^ They had condemned abuses, and pointed out the doctrinal errors in which these abuses had their source, and they had called for a purging out of scandalous persons in short, a reform of the existing Church.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^ Crisis was evidently approaching, and if the Scottish people were to hold possession of that important domain of liberty which they had conquered they must fight for it.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^ With the calmness and joy of Christian patriots they gave their blood for the Protestant religion and the constitutional liberty of Great Britain.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^[8] This Separatist view of the origin of Baptists traces the earliest Baptist church back to 1609 in Amsterdam, with John Smyth as its pastor.^[9]
• Today, denominations such as the Brethren, Mennonites, Hutterites, and Amish eschew infant baptism and have historically been Peace churches. .Typically, independent Pentecostal and Charismatic denominations, and the house church movement belong in this category, too.
• Certain Protestant denominations including the Quakers and the Shakers, do not practice baptism sacramentally.^ The Protestant churches in many parts of the country were converted into mass-houses.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^[10] These denominations view baptism as part of a process on ongoing renewal. Antecedents of these beliefs may be found in Strigolniki theology. Normatively, the Salvation Army does not practice baptism.

Other groups rejecting Protestant label

Denominations

Anti-papal painting showing the enmity between Edward VI of England and the Pope.

Anglicans

Main denominations

• Adventists
• Anabaptist
• Anglicanism^[17]
• Baptist
• Calvinist
• Charismatic
• Congregational
• Lutheran
• Methodist / Wesleyan
• Nazarene
• Pentecostal
• Plymouth Brethren
• Presbyterian
• Religious Society of Friends (Quaker)
• Reformed
• Restoration movement
• Seventh-day Adventist
• Waldensians

Theological tenets of the reformation

• Solus Christus: Christ alone.

The Protestants characterize the dogma concerning the Pope as Christ's representative head of the Church on earth, the concept of works made meritorious by Christ, and the Catholic idea of a treasury of the merits of Christ and his saints, as a denial that Christ is the only mediator between God and man. Catholics, on the other hand, maintained the traditional understanding of Judaism on these questions, and appealed to the universal consensus of Christian tradition.^[18]

• Sola Gratia: Grace Alone.

Protestants perceived Roman Catholic salvation to be dependent upon the grace of God and the merits of one's own works. The Reformers posited that salvation is a gift of God (i.e., God's act of free grace), dispensed by the Holy Spirit owing to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ alone. Consequently, they argued that a sinner is not accepted by God on account of the change wrought in the believer by God's grace, and that the believer is accepted without regard for the merit of his works—for no one deserves salvation.^{[Matt. 7:21]}

• Soli Deo Gloria: Glory to God Alone

All glory is due to God alone, since salvation is accomplished solely through his will and action—not only the gift of the all-sufficient atonement of Jesus on the cross but also the gift of faith in that atonement, created in the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit. The reformers believed that human beings—even saints canonized by the Catholic Church, the popes, and the ecclesiastical hierarchy—are not worthy of the glory

Christ's presence in the Lord's Supper

• Lutherans hold that within the Lord's Supper the consecrated elements of bread and wine are the true body and blood of Christ "in, with, and under the form" of bread and wine for all those who eat and drink it,^[19] a doctrine that the Formula of Concord calls the Sacramental union.^ Mutual defense and protection of each individually, and of all jointly, who were within the bonds of the Covenant.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^ The lords of the Congregation, therefore, resolved to set up the Reformed worship at once in all those places to which their authority extended, and where a majority of the inhabitants were favorable to the design.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^ It is noteworthy that Queen Mary survived all who had been actors along with her in the scenes of crime and blood in which she had so freely mingled.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^[20] God earnestly offers to all who receive the sacrament^[21] forgiveness of sins^[22] and eternal salvation.^[23]
.
• The Reformed closest to Calvin emphasize the real presence, or sacramental presence, of Christ, saying that the sacrament is a means of saving grace through which only the elect believer actually partakes of Christ, but merely WITH the Bread & Wine rather than in the Elements.^ The historian Burner, who witnessed his execution, says that "on the ladder he spoke an hour with the composedness of one who was delivering a sermon rather than his last words."
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^ Only three temporal lords voted in the negative, saying "that they would believe as their fathers believed."
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^ It not only led to the establishment of Protestantism in Scotland, and the perpetuation of it in England; but, in view of the critical condition in which Europe then was, it may indeed with justice be said that it saved the Reformation of Christendom.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  Calvinists deny the Lutheran assertion that all communicants, both believers and unbelievers, orally receive Christ's body and blood in the elements of the sacrament, but instead affirm that Christ is united to the believer through faith—toward which the supper is an outward and visible aid, this is often referred to as dynamic presence. Why this aid is necessary in addition to faith differs according to the believer. Some Protestants (such as the Salvation Army) do not believe it is necessary at all.
• A Protestant holding a popular simplification of the Zwinglian view, without concern for theological intricacies as hinted at above, may see the Lord's Supper merely as a symbol of the shared faith of the participants, a commemoration of the facts of the crucifixion, and a reminder of their standing together as the Body of Christ (a view referred to somewhat derisively as memorialism).

Catholicism

.The official Roman Catholic view on the matter is that Protestant communities cannot be considered "churches", but rather that they are mere ecclesial communities or "specific faith believing communities" because their sacraments, doctrines, lack of authentic apostolic succession do not follow Catholic Doctrine.^ They had condemned abuses, and pointed out the doctrinal errors in which these abuses had their source, and they had called for a purging out of scandalous persons in short, a reform of the existing Church.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ The Protestant clergyman was forbidden by the Act to receive any ecclesiastical dues from Roman Catholics, and as soon as his place became vacant by admission or death, a Popish incumbent was appointed to it, who, as a matter of course, received all the tithes.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ Up to this time these men had attended mass, and were not outwardly separate from the communion of the Roman Church; but, at the earnest advice of the Reformer, they resolved not to participate in that rite in future, and to withdraw themselves from the Roman worship and pale; and they signalized their secession by receiving the Sacrament in its Protestant form at the hands of Knox.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^[24]

.Contrary to how the Protestant reformers were often characterized, the concept of a catholic or universal Church was not brushed aside during the Protestant Reformation.^ Might it not, they said, be better to complete our Reformation more on the model of the other Protestant Churches of Christendom?

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.On the contrary, the visible unity of the Catholic Church was an important and essential doctrine of the Reformation.^ They had condemned abuses, and pointed out the doctrinal errors in which these abuses had their source, and they had called for a purging out of scandalous persons in short, a reform of the existing Church.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.The Magisterial Reformers, such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli, believed that they were "reforming" the Catholic Church, which they viewed as having become corrupted.^ They had condemned abuses, and pointed out the doctrinal errors in which these abuses had their source, and they had called for a purging out of scandalous persons in short, a reform of the existing Church.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ The triumph of Luther at Worms secured the commencement of the Reformation, that of Calvin in St. Pierre its consummation, and that of Knox in Holyrood its preservation.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ Thus gradually, stage by stage, did they approach the outward organization of a Church, and at it is interesting to mark that in the Reformed Church of Scotland elders came before ministers.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

Each of them took very seriously the charges of schism and innovation, denying these charges and maintaining that it was the Catholic Church that had left them.^[25] .In order to justify their departure from the Catholic Church, Protestants often posited a new argument, saying that there was no real visible Church with divine authority, only a "spiritual", "invisible", and "hidden" church.^ His last years were occupied in opposing the introduction into the Presbyterian Church of an order of bishop known only to Scotland, and termed Tulchan.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ There is no hurry or distraction, each as he enters takes his place in silence, till at length not only is the bottom of the hollow covered like floor of church, but the worshippers overflow, and occupy row on row the slopes that form its enclosure.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ It is a form of Church government, he assures the prince, utterly repugnant to monarchy, and destructive of the good order of States, and only to be rooted up.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.Wherever the Magisterial Reformation, which received support from the ruling authorities, took place, the result was a reformed national Protestant church envisioned to be a part of the whole "invisible church", but disagreeing, in certain important points of doctrine and doctrine-linked practice, with what had until then been considered the normative reference point on such matters, namely the Papacy and central authority of the Catholic Church.^ The lords of the Congregation, therefore, resolved to set up the Reformed worship at once in all those places to which their authority extended, and where a majority of the inhabitants were favorable to the design.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ The loss of this important place deeply grieved the nation, but what affected the English people most was the deplorable sign which its sale gave of a weak and mercenary court.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ Concealing his dark design, the primate sent a pressing message to Patrick, soliciting an interview with him on points of Church Reformation.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.The Reformed churches thus believed in some form of Catholicity, founded on their doctrines of the five solas and a visible ecclesiastical organization based on the 14th and 15th century Conciliar movement, rejecting the Papacy and Papal Infallibility in favor of Ecumenical councils, but rejecting the latest ecumenical council, the Council of Trent.^ They had condemned abuses, and pointed out the doctrinal errors in which these abuses had their source, and they had called for a purging out of scandalous persons in short, a reform of the existing Church.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ Five Superintendents completed the ecclesiastical staff, and their duty was to travel through their several districts, with the view of planting Churches, and inspecting the conduct of ministers, readers, and exhorters.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ These demands were rejected, the council having just concluded a secret treaty with the queen for the forcible suppression of the Reformation.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

Religious unity therefore became not one of doctrine and identity, but one of invisible character, wherein the unity was one of faith in Jesus Christ, not common identity, doctrine, belief, and collaborative action.

.Today there is a growing movement of Protestants, especially of the Reformed tradition, that reject the designation "Protestant" because of its negative "anti-catholic" connotations, preferring the designation "Reformed", "Evangelical" or even "Reformed Catholic" expressive of what they call a "Reformed Catholicity"^[26] and defending their arguments from the traditional Protestant Confessions.^ They had condemned abuses, and pointed out the doctrinal errors in which these abuses had their source, and they had called for a purging out of scandalous persons in short, a reform of the existing Church.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ Might it not, they said, be better to complete our Reformation more on the model of the other Protestant Churches of Christendom?

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^[27]

Radical Reformation

.Unlike mainstream Evangelical (Lutheran), Reformed (Zwinglian and Calvinist) Protestant movements, the Radical Reformation, which had no state sponsorship, generally abandoned the idea of the "Church Visible" as distinct from the "Church Invisible". It was a rational extension of the State-approved Protestant dissent, which took the value of independence from constituted authority a step further, arguing the same for the civic realm.^ What construction then could her subjects put upon this mass, but that it was the first step towards the overthrow of the Protestant Church, and the restoration of the Romish ritual and hierarchy?

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ Their religion had the authority of God, and was independent of human laws, but it was also accepted within this realm in public Parliament, and that Parliament he would maintain was as free and lawful as any that had ever assembled in the kingdom of Scotland."

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ The national enthusiasm in behalf of the Reformed Church was greatly strengthened by this solemn transaction, but the intrigues against it at court went on all the same.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

Protestant ecclesial leaders such as Hubmaier and Hofmann preached the invalidity of infant baptism, advocating baptism as following conversion, called "believer's baptism", instead.

.In the view of many associated with the Radical Reformation, the Magisterial Reformation had not gone far enough, with radical reformer, Andreas von Bodenstein Karlstadt, for example, referring to the Lutheran theologians at Wittenberg as the "new papists".^[28] A more political side of the Radical Reformation can be seen in the thought and practice of Hans Hut, although typically Anabaptism has been associated with pacifism.^ Before she herself mounted the scaffold, she had seen all who had sided with her in Scotland against Knox and the Reformation, die on the gallows or in the field.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

Early Anabaptists were severely persecuted by both Calvinist and Catholic civil authorities.

Movements within Protestantism

Evolution of major branches and movements within Protestantism

Pietism and Methodism

Main articles: Pietism and Methodism

.The German Pietist movement, together with the influence of the Puritan Reformation in England in the seventeenth century, were important influences upon John Wesley and Methodism, as well as new groups such as the Religious Society of Friends ("Quakers") and the Moravian Brethren from Herrnhut, Saxony, Germany.^ The struggle for Scotland's political independence in the fourteenth century was a necessary preliminary to its struggle for its religious Reformation in the sixteenth.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ But by this time the area of Protestantism had been enlarged, and England and Scotland had become more important theaters than even Germany.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ The Lollards of England were the connecting link between their great master, Wicliffe, and the English Reformers of the sixteenth century.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

The practice of a spiritual life, typically combined with social engagement, predominates in classical Pietism, which was a protest against the doctrine-centeredness Protestant Orthodoxy of the times, in favor of depth of religious experience. Many of the more conservative Methodists went on to form the Holiness movement, which emphasized a rigorous experience of holiness in practical, daily life.

Evangelicalism

Main article: Evangelicalism

.Beginning at the end of eighteenth century, several international revivals of Pietism (such as the Great Awakening and the Second Great Awakening) took place across denominational lines, largely in the English-speaking world.^ Another marriage, which took place soon after the duke's, paved the way for that great issue in which this complication of affairs was to end.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ It was here the Scottish army, 9,000 strong, first took their place alongside the soldiers of the Parliament, in pursuance of their compact with England, and their union was sealed by a great victory.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ The Lollards of England were the connecting link between their great master, Wicliffe, and the English Reformers of the sixteenth century.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

Their teachings and successor groupings are referred to generally as the Evangelical movement. .The chief emphases of this movement were individual conversion, personal piety and Bible study, public morality often including Temperance and Abolitionism, de-emphasis of formalism in worship and in doctrine, a broadened role for laity (including women) in worship, evangelism and teaching, and cooperation in evangelism across denominational lines.^ Wherever it passed, its track was marked, as is that of the rain-cloud across the burned-up wilderness, by a shining line of moral and spiritual verdure.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

Adventism

Main article: Adventism

Adventism, as a movement, began in the United States in middle nineteenth century. The Adventist family of churches are regarded today as conservative Protestants.^[29]

Modernism and Liberalism

Main article: Liberal Christianity

Modernism and Liberalism do not constitute rigorous and well-defined schools of theology, but are rather an inclination by some writers and teachers to integrate Christian thought into the spirit of the Age of Enlightenment. New understandings of history and the natural sciences of the day led directly to new approaches to theology.

Pentecostalism

Main article: Pentecostalism

.Pentecostalism, as a movement, began in the United States early in the twentieth century, starting especially within the Holiness movement.^ From an early date Scotland had been in course of preparation for the part it was to act in the great movement of the sixteenth century.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.Seeking a return to the operation of New Testament gifts of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues as evidence of the "baptism of the Holy Ghost" or to make the unbeliever believe became the leading feature.^ At the stake he gave his New Testament to a friend as his last gift.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

Divine healing and miracles were also emphasized. Pentecostalism swept through much of the Holiness movement, and eventually spawned hundreds of new denominations in the United States. .A later "charismatic" movement also stressed the gifts of the Spirit, but often operated within existing denominations, rather than by coming out of them.^ Nor could it be other than advantageous to come into contact with the chiefs of the movement, and especially with him who towered above them all.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ It might come sooner or it might come later, but he no more doubted that it would come than he doubted the uniformity and equity of God's rule over men.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ When he appeared on the scaffold it was with a countenance so sweet and grave, and an air so serene and joyous, that he seemed to the spectators rather like one coming out of death than one entering into it.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

Fundamentalism

Main article: Christian fundamentalism

In reaction to liberal Bible critique, fundamentalism arose in the twentieth century, primarily in the United States, among those denominations most affected by Evangelicalism. Fundamentalism placed primary emphasis on the authority and sufficiency of the Bible, and typically advised separation from error and cultural conservatism as an important aspect of the Christian life.

Neo-orthodoxy

Main article: Neo-orthodoxy

A non-fundamentalist rejection of liberal Christianity, associated primarily with Karl Barth, neo-orthodoxy sought to counter-act the tendency of liberal theology to make theological accommodations to modern scientific perspectives. Sometimes called "Crisis theology", according to the influence of philosophical existentialism on some important segments of the movement; also, somewhat confusingly, sometimes called neo-evangelicalism.

New Evangelicalism

Main article: Evangelicalism

Evangelicalism is a movement from the middle of the twentieth century, that reacted to perceived excesses of Fundamentalism, adding to concern for biblical authority, an emphasis on liberal arts, cooperation among churches, Christian Apologetics, and non-denominational evangelization.

Paleo-Orthodoxy

Main article: Paleo-orthodoxy

.Paleo-orthodoxy is a movement similar in some respects to Neo-evangelicalism but emphasising the ancient Christian consensus of the undivided Church of the first millennium AD, including in particular the early Creeds and councils of the Church as a means of properly understanding the Scriptures.^ But not yet had he rest; no sooner had he ended one battle than he had to begin another; and the second battle was in some respects more arduous than the first.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

This movement is cross-denominational and the theological giant of the movement is United Methodist theologian Thomas Oden.

Ecumenism

Main article: Christian ecumenism

The ecumenical movement has had an influence on mainline churches, beginning at least in 1910 with the Edinburgh Missionary Conference. Its origins lay in the recognition of the need for cooperation on the mission field in Africa, Asia and Oceania. Since 1948, the World Council of Churches has been influential, but ineffective in creating a united Church. .There are also ecumenical bodies at regional, national and local levels across the globe; but schisms still far outnumber unifications.^ The body of Argyle was immediately on his execution, carried into the Magdalene Chapel, and laid upon a table still to be see there.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.One, but not the only expression of the ecumenical movement, has been the move to form united churches, such as the Church of South India, the Church of North India, The US-based United Church of Christ, The United Church of Canada, Uniting Church in Australia and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines which have rapidly declining memberships.^ Permit us then freely to meet in the name of Christ, and to attend to the interests of that Church of which you are the chief member.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ The whole Scottish nation, only twenty-three years before, had taken an oath which declared that "the Lord Jesus Christ is the only King and Head of his Church," an expression which was meant to repudiate and shut out the ecclesiastical supremacy of the monarch.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ It is a form of Church government, he assures the prince, utterly repugnant to monarchy, and destructive of the good order of States, and only to be rooted up.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

There has been a strong engagement of Orthodox churches in the ecumenical movement, though the reaction of individual Orthodox theologians has ranged from tentative approval of the aim of Christian unity to outright condemnation of the perceived effect of watering down Orthodox doctrine. [2]

.A Protestant baptism is held to be valid in a Catholic church because it is a sacrament borrowed from the Catholic Church and derives its efficacy from Christ.^ Valid legal securities were thus for the first time reared around the Protestant Church of Scotland.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.However, Protestant ministers are not recognized as valid Church leaders, due to their lack of apostolic succession and their disunity from the Catholic Church.^ Valid legal securities were thus for the first time reared around the Protestant Church of Scotland.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.Therefore, laymen who convert are not re-baptized, although Protestant ministers who convert are ordained to the Catholic priesthood (cf Apostolicae Curae).^ It was resolved to extrude from their livings and banish from their parishes all the ministers who had been ordained since 1649, and had not received presentation and collation as the king's Act required.

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

.In 1999, the representatives of Lutheran World Federation and Catholic Church signed The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, apparently resolving the conflict over the nature of Justification which was at the root of the Protestant Reformation, although some conservative Lutherans did not agree to this resolution.^ "But," it was replied, "some Catholics will perish with the Protestants: is it lawful to destroy the righteous with the wicked?

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

^ Might it not, they said, be better to complete our Reformation more on the model of the other Protestant Churches of Christendom?

• The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]

This is understandable, since there is no compelling authority within them. On July 18, 2006 Delegates to the World Methodist Conference voted unanimously to adopt the Joint Declaration. [3] [4]

Founders: the first Protestant major reformers and theologians

Twelfth century

• Peter Waldo, French reformer, founder of the earliest Protestant church, the Waldensians

Fourteenth century

• John Wycliffe, English reformer, the "Morning Star of the Reformation".

Fifteenth century

.

• Jan Hus, Catholic Priest and Professor, father of an early Protestant church (Moravianism), Czech reformist/dissident; burned to death in Constance, Holy Roman Empire in 1415 by Roman Catholic Church authorities for unrepentant and persistent heresy.^ The Protestant clergyman was forbidden by the Act to receive any ecclesiastical dues from Roman Catholics, and as soon as his place became vacant by admission or death, a Popish incumbent was appointed to it, who, as a matter of course, received all the tithes.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^ A counterfeit deed would transfer a Protestant estate to a Roman Catholic owner.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  .After the devastation of the Hussite Wars some of his followers founded the Unitas Fratrum in 1457, "Unity of Brethren", which was renewed under the leadership of Count Zinzendorf in Herrnhut, Saxony in 1722 after its almost total destruction in the 30 Years War and Counter Reformation.^ The two years that followed, 1568 and 1569, were perhaps the happiest in the Reformer's life, and the most prosperous in the history of his country during that century.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^ Some made their escape; others were released on signing a bond of non-resistance; others were freed when found to be sinking under wounds, or diseases contracted by exposure.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  ^ In his execution we behold the close of a cycle of thirty years' duration, spent in plotting and warring against the Reformation.
  • The History of Protestantism by J. A. Wylie 9 January 2010 18:34 UTC whatsaiththescripture.com [Source type: Original source]
  
  Today it is usually referred to in English as the Moravian Church, in German the Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine.

Sixteenth century

• Jacobus Arminius, Dutch theologian, founder of school of thought known as Arminianism.
• Heinrich Bullinger, successor of Zwingli, leading reformed theologian.
• John Calvin, French theologian, Reformer and resident of Geneva, Switzerland, he founded the school of theology known as Calvinism.
• Balthasar Hubmaier, influential Anabaptist theologian, author of numerous works during his five years of ministry, tortured at Zwingli's behest, and executed in Vienna.
• John Knox, Scottish Calvinist reformer.
• Martin Luther, church reformer, Father of Protestantism^[30][31], theological works guided those now known as Lutherans.
• Philipp Melanchthon, early Lutheran leader.
• Menno Simons, founder of Mennonitism.
• John Smyth, early Baptist leader.
• Huldrych Zwingli, founder of Swiss reformed tradition.

Protestantism by country

Distribution of Protestantism (including Anglicanism) in Europe

Main article: Protestantism by country

See also

• Anti-Catholicism
• Anti-Protestantism
• Black Legend
• Christian eschatology
• Christian Flag
• Reformed Orthodox
• The 10 Commandaments
• Christian timeline for Renaissance & Reformation
• List of Protestant churches
• Protestant Reformation
• Protestant work ethic
• Islam and Protestantism

References

1. ^ Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 11th edition Article 52364.(http://www.diclib.com/[1])
2. ^ dictionary.reference.com(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protestant)
3. ^ "The Protestant Reformation." Religion, 16th century. Web: 28 Feb 2010. The Protestant Reformation
4. ^ O'Gorman, Robert T. and Faulkner, Mary. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism. 2003, page 317.
5. ^ Wilhelm, Joseph. "Apostolic Succession." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. Web: 4 Dec. 2009
6. ^ ^{a b} Johann Jakob Herzog, Philip Schaff, Albert. The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge. 1911, page 419. http://books.google.com/books?id=AmYAAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA419
7. ^ Brackney, William H. (2006). Baptists in North America: an historical perspective. Blackwell Publishing. p. 22. ISBN 1405118652. 
8. ^ Briggs, John. "Baptist Origins". Baptist History and Heritage Society. http://www.baptisthistory.org/contissues/briggs.htm. Retrieved 10 January 2010. 
9. ^ Gourley, Bruce. "A Very Brief Introduction to Baptist History, Then and Now." The Baptist Observer.
10. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/quakers_2.shtml
11. ^ World Christian Encyclopedia (2nd edition). David Barrett, George Kurian and Todd Johnson. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. According to the editors, the books defines denomination as "an organized aggregate of worship centers or congregations of similar ecclesiastical tradition within a specific country; i.e. as an organized Christian church or tradition or religious group or community of believers, within a specific country, whose component congregations and members are called by the same denominational name in different areas, regarding themselves as one autonomous Christian church distinct from other denominations, churches and traditions. As defined here, world Christianity consists of 6 major ecclesiastico-cultural blocs, divided into 300 major ecclesiastical traditions, composed of over 33,000 distinct denominations in 238 countries, these denominations themselves being composed of over 3,400,000 worship centers, churches or congregations."(Barrett et al, volume 1, page 16, Table 1-5)
12. ^ Jay Diamond, Larry. Plattner, Marc F. and Costopoulos, Philip J. World Religions and Democracy. 2005, page 119.( also in PDF file, p49), saying "Not only do Protestants presently constitute 13 percent of the world's population—about 800 million people—but since 1900 Protestantism has spread rapidly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America."
13. ^ "between 1,250 and 1,750 million adherents, depending on the criteria employed": McGrath, Alister E. Christianity: An Introduction. 2006, page xv1.
14. ^ "2.1 thousand million Christians": Hinnells, John R. The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion. 2005, page 441.
15. ^ Hall(2), Basil (1993), "Cranmer, the Eucharist, and the Foreign Divines in the Reign of Edward VI", in Ayris, Paul; Selwyn, David, Thomas Cranmer: Churchman and Scholar, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK: The Boydell Press, [ISBN 0-85115-549-9]
16. ^ Church Association Tract 049
17. ^ Not all Anglicans consider themselves "Protestant"
18. ^ Matt. 16:18, 1 Cor. 3:11, Eph. 2:20, 1 Pet. 2:5–6, Rev. 21:14
19. ^ 1 Cor. 10:16, 11:20, 27, Engelder, T.E.W., Popular Symbolics. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1934. p. 95, Part XXIV. "The Lord's Supper", paragraph 131.
20. ^ The Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord, Article 8, The Holy Supper
21. ^ Luke 22:19-20, Graebner, Augustus Lawrence (1910). Outlines Of Doctrinal Theology. Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House. p. 162. http://www.ctsfw.edu/etext/graebneral/soteriology.txt. 
22. ^ Matthew 26:28, Graebner, Augustus Lawrence (1910). Outlines Of Doctrinal Theology. Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House. p. 163. http://www.ctsfw.edu/etext/graebneral/soteriology.txt. 
23. ^ Luther's Small Catechism, Part IV, The Sacrament of the Altar, "What is the benefit of such eating and drinking? That is shown us in these words: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins; namely, that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation." Graebner, Augustus Lawrence (1910). Outlines Of Doctrinal Theology. Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House. p. 163. http://www.ctsfw.edu/etext/graebneral/soteriology.txt. 
24. ^ Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine on the Church, June 29, 2007, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]].
25. ^ The Protestant Reformers formed a new theological opinion, that the visible Catholic Church is "catholic" (lower-case "c") rather than "Catholic" (upper-case "c"). Accordingly, there is not an indefinite number of Parochial, or Congregational, or National churches, constituting, as it were, so many ecclesiastical individualities, but one great spiritual republic of which these various organizations form a part, although they each have very different opinions. The visible church is not a genus, so to speak, with so many species under it. It is thus you may think of the State, but the visible church is a totum integrale, it is an empire, with an ethereal emperor, rather than a visible one. The churches of the various nationalities constitute the provinces of this empire; and though they are so far independent of each other, yet they are so one, that membership in one is membership in all, and separation from one is separation from all.... This conception of the church, of which, in at least some aspects, we have practically so much lost sight, had a firm hold of the Scottish theologians of the seventeenth century. Dr. James Walker in The Theology of Theologians of Scotland. (Edinburgh: Rpt. Knox Press, 1982) Lecture iv. pp.95-6.
26. ^ reformedcatholicism.com
27. ^ The Canadian Reformed Magazine, 18 (September 20–27, October 4–11, 18, November 1, 8, 1969) http://spindleworks.com/library/faber/008_theca.htm
28. ^ The Magisterial Reformation.
29. ^ "Adventist and Sabbatarian (Hebraic) Churches" section (p. 256–276) in Frank S. Mead, Samuel S. Hill and Craig D. Atwood, Handbook of Denominations in the United States, 12th edn. Nashville: Abingdon Press
30. ^ Challenges to Authority: The Renaissance in Europe: A Cultural Enquiry, Volume 3, by Peter Elmer, page 25.
31. ^ "What ELCA Lutherans Believe." Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 26 July 2008 .

External links

Supporting

• "Is Sola Scriptura a Protestant Concoction?" by Greg Bahnsen
• European Institute of Protestant Studies

Critical

• Catholic websites on sola scriptura
• "Protestantism" from the 1917 Catholic Encyclopedia
• "Why Only Catholicism Can Make Protestantism Work" by Mark Brumley

Miscellaneous

• The Future of American Protestantism from Catalyst (United Methodist perspective)
• Protestantism—Christianity in View
• Archive of mainline protestant sermons and preaching

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From Wikiversity

Division of Protestantism

Welcome to the study of Protestantism

A short history of the Church

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

English

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Protestantism

Noun

1. The Protestant (rather than the Roman Catholic or Orthodox) Christian religion.
2. Collectively, the Protestant churches or the Protestants.

Related terms

• Protestant

Translations

Here are sentences from other pages on Baptist, which are similar to those in the above article.