The Causes of the Protestant Reformation Cover Image

Uzroci protestantske reformacije
The Causes of the Protestant Reformation

Author(s): Grgo Grbešić
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, 16th Century, Sociology of Religion, History of Religion
Published by: Katolički bogoslovni fakultet u Đakovu
Keywords: Martin Luther; Reformation; justification; original sin; free will, scholasticism; nominalism; humanism;

Summary/Abstract: The causes of the Protestant Reformation are divided into five groups: historical, theological, spiritual-religious, political, social and psychological, and the theology of Martin Luther. Until the twentieth century, the traditional opinion was that the root cause of the Reformation should be sought in the many abuses in the Church. Today, both Catholic and Protestant authors look at the problem much broader and deeper and embrace the theological thought, especially the nominalism which significantly influenced Luther himself. In a combination of different circumstances – political, social, psychological – Luther’s personality also dominated. As a professor of Bible courses, he was particularly interested in the study of the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians. The question of indulgences triggered a large flood that could not be stopped. Indulgences were only the last straw but not the cause of the Protestant Reformation.

  • Issue Year: 28/2020
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 55-78
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: Croatian