Reformation - Research Paper Example

Luther, along with some other like-minded churchgoers, had become increasingly distraught about systematic corruption in the form of indulgences and simony (selling and buying clerical seats) that had apparently become rampant within the Roman Catholic Church. Luther observed these offenses in person during a previous trip to Rome. These concerns were compounded by disagreements about doctrine, the sacraments, celibacy, and the power of the Pope. At the same time as Luther’s uprising, a similar movement was forming in Switzerland led by Huldrych Zwingli.

The two would not join forces however, as some disagreements kept them apart. The Reformation was condemned by the papacy and Luther was excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Following these events, Protestant groups throughout Europe would find common ground in the writings of John Calvin, and the movement would soon gain ground from the Roman Catholics. Major Beliefs and Practices Protestant is a broad term that applies to Churches that protest the ways of the Roman Catholic Church (though some reject the label, such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

While there are many different denominations of Protestantism, some beliefs do apply to virtually all of them. The doctrine of Sola Scriptura holds that the Bible itself, rather than traditions or interpretations, is the ultimate source of Christian authority. The doctrine of Sola Fide reserves salvation for the act of faith in Jesus, rather than as a result of personal actions or good deeds. Solus Christus refers to the holiness of Jesus and denounces the power of men assuming a similar position (such as the Pope), Sola Gratia argues that salvation cannot be gained by work, and Soli Deo Gloria, the belief that humans are not worthy of glory.

Additionally, Reformed Churches typically have less elaborate periods of worship when compared to the Roman Catholic tradition, though exceptions do exist, and a concept known as the universal brotherhood imbues the duty to read the Bible regularly and to take part in all Church processes. This approach places all members on equal ground and opposes the hierarchy found in Roman Catholic systems. Categories and Demographics There are several categories that have been used to describe the many denominations of Protestantism.

The “Mainline” Protestant group consists of churches that identify with Lutheranism, Calvinism, or Anglicanism. Churches in this group typically adhere to the original doctrines that came from the Reformation. Baptist Churches are identified by the lack of infant baptism rituals, but involve the regular baptism of adults. Also, Anabaptist worshipers are categorized based on the re-baptizing of converts. Denominations that fall in each of these categories can differ in any number of ways, including their belief in the nature of Christ’s presence at the Last Supper.

Today, participation in Protestant religions is large throughout many countries. A 2008 article by Michael Paulson states that over half of all Americans are members of Protestant religions. Other countries with a large number of Protestants include the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, and China (Central Intelligence Agency, 2008). Additionally, Protestantism practically dominates religious practices throughout the Nordic countries (Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland).

Membership in the mainline sector of Protestantism has