An assignment for Ethics: the Protestantism

A presentation on

Protestantism

9th February 2010

Daniel Oñate, 3º ESO

THE PROTESTANTISM 1

THE PROTESTANTISM

Daniel Oñate

Contents

6. Images, Symbols & Prayer

5. Present situation and conflicts

4. Beliefs and practices

3. Sacred texts and places

2. Leaders

1. Origin

7. Sources of information

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THE

PRO

TEST

AN

TISM

THE PROTESTANTISM

Daniel Oñate

1. Origin

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Begun by Martin Luther in northern Europe in the early 16th century in reaction to medieval Roman Catholic teachings and corruption in the church practices.

After a number of European religious wars, and specially in the 19th century, it spread rapidly in various forms throughout the world.

The term Protestant comes from the Latin “protestari” meaning “to protest”. It refers to a letter of protestation by Lutheran German princes against a decision to ban Martin Luther's documents (from Diet of Speyer in 1529, and Diet of Worms in 1521).

THE PROTESTANTISM

Daniel Oñate

2. Leaders

The main leaders of the “protestant movement” were:

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

John Calvin (1509-1564)

Huldrych Zwingli (1484-1531)

John Knox (1510-1572)

The followers of Martin Luther established the evangelical churches of Germany and Scandinavia. Reformed churches in Switzerland were established by John Calvin and Huldrych Zwingli, while John Knox had an influence in the national church in Scotland.

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3. God, sacred texts and places

Protestants are Christians and their sacred text is the BIBLE .

Central concern of the Reformation: return to the sacred Bible, as the sole authority for faith, belief, and practice.

They believe in an only GOD (and the Holly Trinity)

The protestants have no sacred places like the muslims (the Mecca) or other religions, and they do not recognise the authority of the Pope and the Vatican as a holly place.

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THE PROTESTANTISM

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4. Beliefs and practices

There are different doctrines for the Protestants, but all coincide in the following: The belief in the Bible as the primary source of faith: the

Bible as ultimate authority in matters of faith and order for all Christians (the “Sola Scriptura”).

Justification by faith alone: Salvation comes by faith alone in Jesus as the Christ, rather than through good works (the “Sola Fide”).

The priesthood of all believers: this is the right and duty of all Christians not only to read the Bible, but also to take part in the government and all public affairs of the Church.

Protestant liturgies (the mass) are simpler than Roman Catholic and Orthodox, and emphasise preaching.

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THE PROTESTANTISM

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4. Beliefs and practices

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TOPIC PROTESTANTS ROMAN CATHOLIC

Clergy - Qualification for

The majority of Protestants do not require celibacy as a condition of election to the clergy. Many churches practice female ordination.

All clergy are required to be male. Priests and Bishops must also be celibate, with the exception of 'Eastern Rite' Catholics, who are allowed to have married priests.

Marriage and Divorce

Marriage is a contract, but not unbreakable. Divorce is discouraged, but permitted. Some denominations permit remarriage in church.

An unbreakable contract. Divorce is not permitted unless there is some canonical impediment to the marriage. In this situation, an annulment may be granted.

Mary - Assumption and Immaculate

conception of

Both are denied. The claim that Mary was sinless is rejected - only Christ was sinless.

Both are dogmas of the church. The Immaculate conception is necessary because not only do humans inherit a sinful nature, they also bear the guilt of Adam and Eve's sin. Thus being sinless herself, Mary could give birth to a sinless Christ.

Mary - Position of Mary was a holy woman who was chosen to bear the Son of God. Her perpetual virginity and intercession are denied.

The view is similar to the Orthodox church - the title 'Mother of God' being used more commonly than Theotokos. In addition, it is claimed that at various points in history, Mary has revealed herself to the world in apparitions e.g. those at Lourdes.

Pope - Infallibility of

Protestants also reject Papal infallibility. The only source of infallible teaching is that found in the Bible.

The Pope is infallible when, through the Holy Spirit, he defines a doctrine on faith and morals that is to be held by the whole church. This is a dogma and is therefore a required belief within Catholicism.

Purgatory Purgatory is rejected - Christ's death on the cross is sufficient to remove the penalty for all our sins.

A place of cleansing and preparation for heaven. Also a place where the punishment due to unremitted venial sins may be expiated.

Sacraments

Generally, only two sacraments (also known as Ordinances) are recognised: Baptism and the Eucharist (often called 'Holy Communion' or the 'Lord's Supper').

The number of Sacraments is fixed at seven and is the same list as that in Orthodoxy, with the exception of Chrismation, which is generally known as 'Confirmation'.

Saints All Christians are saints, called to imitate Christ. Only Christ may mediate between God and Man.

For sainthood, it is required that at least two verifiable miracles have occurred as a result of the intercession of that person.

Brief comparison between Protestantism & Roman Catholicism on some topics

THE PROTESTANTISM

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5. Present situation and conflicts

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There are roughly 776 million Protestants worldwide - they are about 40% of Christians.

4 main Protestant traditions emerged from the Reformation: the Lutheran (known in continental Europe as Evangelical), the Calvinist (Reformed), the Anabaptist, and the Anglican.

Despite many differences among them in doctrine and practice, they agreed in rejecting the authority of the pope and in emphasizing instead the authority of the Bible and the importance of individual faith.

THE PROTESTANTISM

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5. Present situation and conflicts

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This figure shows all branches among Protestantism and their year of origin

THE PROTESTANTISM

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5. Present situation and conflicts

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Distribution of protestantism in Europe (including Anglicanism)

THE PROTESTANTISM

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6. Images, Symbols & Prayer

IMAGES

SYMBOLS

PRAYER

Protestant liturgies (the mass) are simpler than Roman Catholic and Orthodox, and emphasise preaching

•No saints: all Christians are saints, called to imitate Christ. Only Christ may mediate between God and Man.

•Mary was a holy woman, but not a virgin.

•No figures of saints. •No figures of the virgin Mary (is not recognised).

• Rejects authority of Pope.

• Simpler and more modest churches.

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7. Sources of information

Sources of

information

B

E

C

D

A The New Encyclopaedia Britannica. Vol 26 Macropaedia. Univ of Chicago, 15th edition pag. 206

Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism

Christianity in view http://christianityinview

.com/home.html

Protestantism. PATHEOS (Seek, Understand)

http://www.patheos.com/Library/Protestantism.html

History of Protestantism. http://www.history.com/encyclopedia.do?articleId=219919

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