Protestant Reformation Research Paper

During the Protestant Reformation, religion and politics in Europe underwent drastic change, in a relatively short period of a few hundred years. It began in the early 1500's with Martin Luther's criticism of corruption in the Catholic Church, and from there lead to the official formation of numerous Protestant Christian sects, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Anabaptism, and many others. The Catholic Church in turn was forced to reconsider some of its own positions in order to remain a relevant and effective power in Europe. These swift, and sometimes sweeping, changes led to the evolution of religious services, music in particular, with each new sect emphasizing certain aspects while de-emphasizing or even removing others

entirely. Distinct worship styles, and distinct musical styles, result from this process. However, much of the change in style did not result from purely aesthetic or religious belief, but rather from political necessity. Each sect had its own place in the European political machine. In an attempt to gain, or retain political power, musical style was changed in some way which was meant to attract the largest following, securing stability for the sect. These political motivations drove much of the reformation, and provide insight into the aesthetic differences between the many Christian sects which still exist today.
Lutheranism is named for its initial founder, Martin Luther. Born 1483 in Eiselben, present day Germany, Luther became a monk, theologian, and professor at the University of Wittenburg. Luther publicly criticized the Catholic Church's corruption, giving special attention to the sale of indulgences. Luther also disagreed with some major ecclesiastical beliefs of Catholicism, stating that faith alone was sufficient, not faith and works together as Catholicism required. For this, he was excommunicated at the Diet of Worms. Luther's reformed church, now known as Lutheranism, made some significant changes form the traditional Catholic service. His services were given in German, rather than the traditional, and liturgical, Latin. Luther translated the entire bible into German, printed it, and distributed it widely. He placed enormous significance on involving the congregation in his services. This meant the congregation had to understand what was being spoken, or sung.
Lutheran music is very different from the traditional Catholic music of the time. Catholic music still retained the aesthetic of late Renaissance style, and would not change until much later during a session of the Council of Trent. Part of Luther's desire to involve the congregation into all parts of the service involved writing new hymns that lay people could sing. Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott is one such piece, written by Luther in 1529. Like many of his hymns, the work has a simple countour, and a simple rhythmic structure. The hymn is strophic, so many verses can be sung to the same short melodies. The verses are written, and sung, in German. The original notation suggests that the work is homophonic, though it is possible that some instruments may have been used. Most of the Lutheran service would have involved homophonic music, because this was easiest to sing, though the service did retain some more complex polyphonic segments where trained singers would perform. Luther's music was much more simple and succinct compared to the Catholic style, matching his preferred style for worship services in general.
Luther's specific aesthetic choice no doubt arises from some religious belief, but it is unlikely that religion provided the sole inspiration for change. Lutheranism, and many other Protestant sects, had a much easier time reforming religion, rather than trying to retain worshippers and maintain the status quo, as Catholicism had to do. Luther was trying to create a new, more perfect church. One which was free of the corruption and stagnation which plagued Catholicism. One such was that he attracted new followers was by creating a service in which the common people could participate. Of course, Luther did believe that this was important religiously, but it also serves as an attractive selling point to potential converts. Common people would be drawn to a religion that they can understand and join in comfortably. The setting was slightly less formal, the style, much less formal. This, paired with the belief that faith alone would save a person, rather than faith in addition to many years of faithful service to the church, made Lutheranism, and many other Protestant sects highly attractive, ensuring that the sect would survive Catholic persecution and draw large congregations over time. Luther was almost certainly aware of this.
Anglicanism, created by Henry VIII in 1534 , has its roots in a much more politically focused beginning, rather than in a fundamental disagreement over some religious doctrine.

King Henry VIII's family rose to the English throne the War of the Roses, which began due to complications in succession . It is because of this, in addition to a sense of duty, that Henry VIII very strongly feels that it is important he produce a male heir to the throne. His first wife, Catherine of Aragon, was originally the wife of Prince Arthur, Henry VIII's brother. In order to marry her, Henry VIII had to seek a special dispensation from the pope, since this would normally be considered adultery, forbidden in Catholicism. The issue became further complicated when Henry VIII later sought to divorce Catherine of Aragorn in order to marry Anne Bolyn. Henry VIII had no male heir with Catherine, and had become infatuated with Anne Bolyn. To do this would again require special permission from the pope. Henry VIII argued that even though he was given a dispensation, the marriage with Catherine still could not be valid, claiming that the failure to produce a male heir was a sign from God in support of this fact. The pope refused to annul their marriage. Henry VIII's response was to separate from the Catholic Church and the papacy in Rome, creating his own religion,

Anglicanism.
Anglicanism became the state church of England.

Under Henry VIII, the church remained largely similar to Catholicism. Henry VIII did seize all monastic property in England, seeking to gain more wealth from the now illegal Catholic institution. He began the creation of an English liturgy, but this did not yet fully develop. Like other Protestant sects, Anglicanism did begin to use the vernacular language for its services, but this too did not fully develop under Henry VIII. Ultimately, the creation of the Church of England was entirely political, so little change occurred in its religious and aesthetic style,

initially.
Henry VIII's children are the reason that Anglicanism begins to evolve separately from Catholicism. After his death, his son Edward VI succeeded his as king. However, Edward VI is only a child. In order to rule effectively, much of the governing was actually performed by a group of advisors and a Lord Protecter, all of whom were Protestant Anglicans. These ruling parties had much to gain by enforcing their own religious beliefs more strictly upon the country. In addition, Edward VI was raised Anglican, so he was fairly willing to comply, and most likely unable to resist even if he wished. The result is a sudden push against the Catholic tradition. Catholic property was completely seized, and known Catholics are persecuted heavily. The previously undeveloped English liturgy is more fully realized with the creation of The Book of Common Prayer, with more music and religious material created, in English. Edward VI's rule, however, was short. He dies, and was replaced by his half sister, Mary. Mary was the daughter of Henry VIII's first wife Catherine of Aragon. Mary was raised Catholic, and remained devout during the creation of Anglicanism. She tries to reinstate Catholicism completely, attempts to reform ties with the papacy in Rome, and tries to purge Anglicanism from the country by heavily persecuting Anglicans, for which she would become known as 'Bloody Mary.' Her changes we reactionary, but after two Anglican rulers, she had no significant effect of Anglicanism. During her rule, the sect continued underground, but remained strong. Mary then dies, and is succeed by her sister Elizabeth I. Elizabeth, also a daughter of Catherine of Aragon, was likely a Protestant, though she made a point to remain a pragmatist throughout her rule. She reinstates Anglicanism, again persecuted Catholics, completes the English liturgy, and commissions many works of music for the sect. Her pragmatist approach lead the Anglican Church to become what it is today.