the reformation

How the reformation began

• Martin Luther, a priest, decided to challenge the Catholic Church 
• Luther had complaints against the church, so he created the 95 theses
• Martin hated the amount of  indulgences the church was selling
• Martin caused the church to split up and Protestant churches to be created

Origins of the Calvinist church

• John Calvin was the founder of a protestant calvinist church
• Calvin decided to take over the reform movement in Geneva

sin and salvation

• Calvinist had very strict rules about good and bad behavior 
• Singing ,dancing, playing cards, and wearing fancy clothing were all sins 
• Calvinism depended entirely on God to be saved, like Lutherans
• Good behavior showed that a person was an elect destined for heaven. 

Ultimate source of authority

• Calvinists thought that the Bible was the only true source of religious guidance.
• Calvinists believed that all of life should be lived according to God’s law.
• Calvinism believed that anyone who sinned was also committing a crime.
• Calvinist would punish those who sinned and by the local court system.

Rituals and Worship

• Calvinist churchgoers attended services up to five times a week.
• Calvinist churches were simple, no paintings, statues, or stained glass
• Men had to sit on one side and women on the other side 
• Calvinists used only the two sacraments baptism and Communion.

community life

• Calvinist communities were thoecracies
• Calvinist communities had strict laws based on the Bible.
• Church leaders would inspect homes to see if they followed the laws.
• Babies were only named after names in the Bible.
• Guests at local inns were not allowed to swear, dance, play cards, or insult anyone at the inn.