Reformation-Era Church History

60min
4,500 P
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Explore Reformation History and Its Key Figures

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Lesson requests can be made after 2025-08-16 02:30.

Description

Embark on a journey through the pivotal period of the Reformation, spanning roughly the 16th and 17th centuries. This era represents a monumental shift in Christian thought, practice, and the very fabric of European society, driven by a profound return to biblical authority and a renewed understanding of God's grace. We will approach this study with an understanding of God's sovereign hand at work, guiding His Church through a period of intense theological debate, social upheaval, and spiritual renewal.

This lesson will guide you through the key figures, movements, and theological views that defined the Reformation, with a particular focus on the English and Scottish Reformations, and the distinct traditions of Lutheranism and Reformed theology.

What You'll Learn & Explore:

We'll tailor our sessions to your interests and specific learning goals, but common topics covered in this transformative period include:

  • The Precursors to Reformation:

    • Brief overview of late medieval challenges to the Church (e.g., Wycliffe, Hus).

    • The Renaissance and its intellectual impact.

  • The Lutheran Reformation:

    • Martin Luther: His life, the 95 Theses, and the foundational theological breakthroughs (Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria).

    • The spread of Lutheranism in Germany and Scandinavia.

    • Key Lutheran theological views and their distinct characteristics.

  • The Reformed Tradition:

    • Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin: Their lives, theological contributions, and the development of Reformed thought in Switzerland.

    • The spread of Reformed theology across Europe (e.g., Netherlands, France, parts of Germany).

    • Key Reformed theological views, including covenant theology, the sovereignty of God, and the regulative principle of worship.

  • The English Reformation:

    • The unique political and theological factors shaping the Church of England.

    • Key figures like Henry VIII, Thomas Cranmer, and the development of Anglicanism.

    • The influence of both Lutheran and Reformed thought on the English Church.

    • The rise of Puritanism and its calls for further reform.

  • The Scottish Reformation:

    • John Knox: His life, fiery preaching, and the establishment of Presbyterianism in Scotland.

    • The role of the Scottish Parliament and the Covenanters.

    • The distinct theological and ecclesiological character of the Church of Scotland.

  • The Anabaptist Movement:

    • Their radical theological and social views (e.g., believer's baptism, separation of church and state).

    • Their persecution and enduring legacy.

  • The Catholic Counter-Reformation:

    • The Council of Trent and its theological affirmations.

    • The rise of new religious orders (e.g., Jesuits).

    • The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant challenge.

  • Key Reformation Theological Views:

    • Justification by faith alone.

    • The authority of Scripture.

    • The nature of the sacraments (baptism and the Lord's Supper).

    • Predestination and free will.

    • The role of tradition and reason.

  • Impact and Legacy:

    • The lasting effects of the Reformation on theology, church structure, politics, education, and culture across Europe and beyond.

How the Lesson Works:

Our sessions are interactive, discussion-based, and designed to bring this dynamic historical period to life, always grounded in a biblically informed perspective:

  • Chronological & Thematic Exploration: We'll navigate the key events and ideas of the Reformation, understanding their progression and interconnectedness.

  • Key Figures & Their Contributions: We'll examine the lives, writings, and impact of the major reformers and their opponents.

  • Comparative Analysis: We'll compare and contrast the distinct theological positions and practices of the Lutheran, Reformed, and other traditions.

  • Primary Source Engagement (Optional): We can explore excerpts from significant Reformation documents (e.g., Luther's 95 Theses, Calvin's Institutes, Westminster Confession) to gain direct insight into their thought.

  • Addressing Your Questions: This is an open space to discuss any aspects of the Reformation that particularly interest or challenge you, including its relevance to contemporary faith and practice.

  • Personalized Learning: We'll adjust the pace and depth of discussion based on your prior knowledge and specific areas of interest (e.g., focusing more on the English Reformation, or the nuances of Reformed theology).

  • Resource Suggestions: I can recommend further reading, academic articles, or historical documents to deepen your understanding.

Who is this lesson for?

This lesson is ideal for:

  • Students of theology, history, or religious studies focusing on the Reformation era.

  • Individuals interested in understanding the origins of Protestantism and its major traditions.

  • Curious learners who want to explore the theological debates and societal impact of this pivotal period.

  • Anyone seeking a structured and insightful journey through the era that reshaped Christianity and the Western world.

Journey through the transformative era of the Reformation! Book a free trial lesson to discuss your interests and what you hope to discover in this crucial period.

Cafetalk's cancellation policy - Before request is confirmed (fixed) Cancellation possible at any time without charge. After request is confirmed (fixed) More than 24 hours before lesson start time.→ Cancellation is possible at any time. Less than 24 hours before lesson start time.→ The tutor may take a cancellation fee. No-Show→ The tutor may take a cancellation fee. (Please check with the tutor for details.) 

Cafetalk's cancellation policy

Before request is confirmed (fixed)

  • Cancellation possible at any time without charge.

After request is confirmed (fixed)

  • More than 24 hours before lesson start time.→ Cancellation is possible at any time.
  • Less than 24 hours before lesson start time.→ The tutor may take a cancellation fee.
  • No-Show→ The tutor may take a cancellation fee.
    (Please check with the tutor for details.)

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Reformation-Era Church History
60min
4,500P
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JamesTutor

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