Lesson 1: Introduction
The Holy Roman Empire centered in Germany and Austria became more German and Austrian such that nation states rose. Nothing holy, nor Roman, nor like an empire.
Europe began to be centralized in the 16th century, politically. However, the notion of a Christian empire was diminishing. The Roman Catholic Church was selling indulgences roughly 50 years before Luther's protest. Indulgences work even for the dead - a good marketing scheme. "As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." - Tetzel
Indulgence satisfies and replaces pious works required in penance, which is a sacrament comprising 3 parts:
1. Contrition over Attrition (feeling guilty only when caught - sorrow for sin out of fear of damnation).
2. Oral confession to a priest in private.
3. Do prayers or giving to the poor (perhaps to the church).
Centralization of power results in absolutism - such as seen in France, which led to the French Revolution.
Reformation failed as opposed by the government: France
Reformation not supported by government but succeeded: Netherlands, Scotland.
Reformation supported by government: England, Scandinavia.