In this Grade 4 lesson from Discovering Our Past: a History of the World, students explore the causes of the Protestant Reformation, learning how criticism of Catholic Church practices such as the sale of indulgences and corruption among Church officials fueled calls for reform. Students examine key figures including John Wycliffe, Erasmus, and Martin Luther, and trace how their challenges to Church authority led to the rise of Protestantism by 1600.
Section 1
Luther Challenges Church Authority Through Written Protests
Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, criticizing the Catholic Church's sale of indulgences. This sparked the Reformation movement that led to Protestantism and permanently divided Christianity.
Section 2
Calvin Develops Predestination Doctrine That Shapes Society
John Calvin taught that God predetermined who would be saved. Believers demonstrated their election through hard work and moral behavior, influencing both religious practices and government structures throughout Europe.
Section 3
Henry VIII Establishes Church of England for Political Gain
When the Pope refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII broke from Rome, established the Anglican Church, and seized Catholic lands, fundamentally changing England's religious landscape.
Section 4
Puritans Flee Persecution to Practice Faith in America
Puritans sought to remove Catholic elements from Anglican worship. Facing opposition from Kings James I and Charles I, many Puritans immigrated to North America, bringing their religious beliefs to the colonies.
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Section 1
Luther Challenges Church Authority Through Written Protests
Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, criticizing the Catholic Church's sale of indulgences. This sparked the Reformation movement that led to Protestantism and permanently divided Christianity.
Section 2
Calvin Develops Predestination Doctrine That Shapes Society
John Calvin taught that God predetermined who would be saved. Believers demonstrated their election through hard work and moral behavior, influencing both religious practices and government structures throughout Europe.
Section 3
Henry VIII Establishes Church of England for Political Gain
When the Pope refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII broke from Rome, established the Anglican Church, and seized Catholic lands, fundamentally changing England's religious landscape.
Section 4
Puritans Flee Persecution to Practice Faith in America
Puritans sought to remove Catholic elements from Anglican worship. Facing opposition from Kings James I and Charles I, many Puritans immigrated to North America, bringing their religious beliefs to the colonies.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter