Protestant Reformation :: Religion History

Protestant Reformation In the 16th century the Protestant Reformation divided the Roman Catholic Church. This reform was led by Martin Luther whose original intentions were to reform the church, but resulted in a split between Protestant and Catholic. Soon the Protestant Church itself divided resulting in two more churches, one Protestant, and the other reformed church. The Reformed Church is better known as Presbyterian, whose conspicuous leader was John Calvin. John Calvin had many beliefs which had been adopted by the Presbyterian Church. His ideas were modified from those in the Catholic Church. Presbyterians do believe in the Trinity as Catholics do but differ from Catholicism when dealing with ideas like original sin, salvation, and the idea of penance. Presbyterians believe that original sin is rooted in faithlessness which brought man to fall. The idea of salvation to Presbyterians is that salvation is reached through the grace of God, rooted in the deep faith of a person. Catholics believe in penance for sins through reconciliation. Presbyterians believe that penance is dealt with directly with God. Ultimately, Presbyterians believe that God’s truth was and is embodied in Jesus Christ, Lord, and Savior. One of Calvin’s beliefs included that of which God is God of state and nation and the state must be guided by his word. This idea is embodied in the idea of civil government. The Presbyterian government was originally formen when John Calvin was in Geneva. In a Presbyterian form of government there are four different officers. There are pastors, teachers, 12 elected elders, and deacons. The elders are seen to be equal to the clergy. Through this government the Presbyterian belief in total life of the community is displayed and put into practice. The Presbyterian definition of a sacrament is an outward sign by which the Lord represents and testifies his good will towards us. A sacrament is a testimony of God’s grace. Presbyterians acknowledge two sacraments. One is Baptism, and the other Eucharist. Baptism is a symbol of cleansing, forgiveness of original sin permanetly, and makes us all share in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It makes us one with God. The sacrament of the Eucharist is a memory of Christ’s death and a confession of faith.