Protestantism
Christian movement originating in the 16th-century Protestant Reformation.
Protestantism is a form of Christianity that originated in the Protestant Reformation, a 16th-century movement aimed at reforming the Catholic Church from perceived errors, abuses, and discrepancies. It emphasizes justification of sinners through faith alone, salvation by unmerited divine grace, the priesthood of all believers, and the Bible as the sole infallible source of authority. The five solæ summarize its basic theological beliefs.
- origins
- 16th century, Holy Roman Empire
- key_figure
- Martin Luther
- founding_event
- Publication of Ninety-five Theses in 1517
- core_principles
- Sola Scriptura, faith alone, grace alone
Lore & Background
Protestantism began in the Holy Roman Empire in 1517 when Martin Luther published his Ninety-five Theses as a reaction against abuses in the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church. Luther argued against buying or earning forgiveness, claiming salvation is a gift God gives to those who have faith. Lutheranism spread from Germany into Denmark–Norway, Sweden, Finland, Livonia, and Iceland. Calvinist churches spread in Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Scotland, Switzerland, France, Poland and Lithuania, led by reformers such as John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli, and John Knox. The political separation of the Church of England from the Catholic Church under King Henry VIII began Anglicanism, under the leadership of Thomas Cranmer.
Reader's Guide
Protestantism is divided into various denominations on the basis of theology and ecclesiology. A majority of Protestants are members of a handful of denominational families: Anglicans/Episcopalians, Baptists, Calvinist/Reformed, Lutherans, Methodists, and Moravians. Adventists, Pentecostals, Quakers, Plymouth Brethren, independent churches (Nondenominational Christianity), and Charismatic Christianity are also broadly considered part of Protestantism. Independent/Non-Denominational churches have expanded rapidly throughout much of the world and are called one of the contemporary world's most dynamic religious movements by scholars such as Peter L. Berger. Historically, Protestantism includes only denominations that emerged directly during the Reformation, excluding later movements. The term 'Protestant' was initially political but later acquired a broader sense, referring to any Western church subscribing to main Protestant principles. Martin Luther preferred the term 'evangelical' (from Greek euangelion, meaning 'good news'), while French and Swiss Protestants preferred 'reformed'. The word 'evangelical' in English usually refers to evangelical Protestant churches, a subset of Protestantism.
Did You Know?
- Martin Luther disliked the term 'Lutheran' and insisted on 'Christian' or 'evangelical' as acceptable names.
- The five solæ summarize the basic theological beliefs of mainstream Protestantism.
- Independent/Non-Denominational churches have been called one of the contemporary world's most dynamic religious movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Protestantism?
Protestantism is a major branch of Christianity that emerged in 16th-century Europe as a reform movement challenging the authority and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Its most recognized founding figure is Martin Luther, a German monk whose 1517 posting of the Ninety-five Theses is traditionally treated as the movement's starting point.
What are Protestantism's core theological 'powers'?
At its heart, Protestantism rests on the five solae, with Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone as infallible authority) and Sola Fide (justification by faith alone) being the most central. It also teaches that salvation comes solely through unmerited divine grace and that every believer has direct access to God without needing a priestly intermediary.
What is Protestantism's role relative to other branches?
Protestantism positions itself as a corrective reform of Catholicism rather than a wholly separate religion, though over five centuries it has diversified into thousands of denominations. Unlike the Catholic or Orthodox traditions, it generally rejects papal supremacy, sacred tradition alongside Scripture, and the sacramental system as traditionally defined.
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