The Protestant Reformation and the Age of Discovery

1. The Reformation

The 16th-century religious movement, rooted in European medieval and Renaissance traditions, began within the Catholic Church with a call for a return to early Christianity. It ultimately resulted in the separation of several nations from the Church.

2. Three Causes of the Reformation

• Religious: Issues regarding the discipline of the higher clergy, clerical vices, and simony.
• Political: The temporal power of the papacy, monarchical systems, and rising nationalism.
• Economic: The accumulation of capital and interest.

3. Lutheranism

A doctrine developed by Martin Luther in Germany, which states that man is saved by faith alone.

4. Basic Principles of Lutheranism

• The Bible must be interpreted directly.
• Prayer should be directed straight to God.
• The only recognized sacraments are baptism, penance, and communion.

5. Anglicanism

The state religion of England, definitively established during the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I Tudor. It incorporates various principles and doctrines from Lutheranism.

6. Calvinism

Designed by John Calvin, a Frenchman who worked in Switzerland. Key dogmas include the predestination of souls, the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and direct interpretation through prayer. Accepted sacraments include baptism and the Lord's Supper.

7. Voyages of Columbus

Following the signing of the Capitulations of Santa Fe with the Catholic Monarchs, Christopher Columbus completed a total of four voyages between 1492 and 1504, mapping the Caribbean and the Central American coast.

8. Consequences of the Discovery

• Scientific: Expansion of the world view and knowledge of geography.
• Social: Debates regarding human rights and the rise of black slavery.
• Economic: Global economic development.
• Religious: America became a primary field for evangelization.

9. Characteristics of the American Indigenous Peoples

Physically characterized by Mongoloid traits, they spoke diverse languages categorized as polysynthetic. Psychologically, they were often described as stoic, fatalistic, courageous, and resilient.