Question

Find the two incorrect statements about Reformation movement in Christianity :
(I) In 1516 a German monk called Martin Luther launched a campaign against Catholic Church
(II) This movement is also known as Protestant Reformation
(III) In Switzerland Luther's ideas were popularized by Ulrich Zwingli
(IV) In Spain Ignatius Loyola set up the Society of Jesus in 1541

• A. Only (I) and (II)
• B. Only (II) and (III)
• C. Only (I) and (III)
• D. Only (I) and (IV)

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Only (I) and (IV)

Understanding the Reformation Movement

• The Reformation Movement, also widely known as the Protestant Reformation, was a major movement within Western Christianity in 16th-century Europe.
• It posed a religious and political challenge to the Roman Catholic Church and papal authority, leading to the establishment of various Protestant churches.

Key Figures and Events:

• Statement (I) - Incorrect: Martin Luther launched his campaign against the Catholic Church in 1517, not 1516. He famously posted his Ninety-five Theses on October 31, 1517, on the door of All Saints' Church in Wittenberg, challenging the sale of indulgences.
• Statement (III) - Correct: In Switzerland, Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) was a prominent leader of the Reformation. He worked independently of Luther but shared many similar criticisms of the Catholic Church. Zurich became a significant center for the Swiss Reformation under his leadership. Later, John Calvin also played a crucial role in the Swiss Reformation.
• Statement (IV) - Incorrect: Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1534 with a small group of companions in Paris. The Society received papal approval from Pope Paul III in 1540 (via the bull Regimini militantis Ecclesiae), not 1541. The Jesuits became a powerful force in the Counter-Reformation, focusing on education, missionary work, and combating Protestantism.

Important Facts for Competitive Exams:

• The term 'Protestant' originated from the 'Protestation at Speyer' in 1529, where Lutheran princes protested against the Holy Roman Emperor's attempt to reverse the religious concessions made previously.
• The Peace of Augsburg (1555) legally recognized Lutheranism within the Holy Roman Empire, based on the principle of Cuius regio, eius religio (whose realm, his religion).
• The Council of Trent (1545-1563) was a significant event of the Counter-Reformation, convened by the Catholic Church to address the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation and to clarify Catholic doctrine.
• Other key reformers include John Calvin (developed Calvinism), Huldrych Zwingli (Swiss Reformation), and John Knox (Scottish Reformation).