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Jan 1, 1300
The Pope and King Collide
In the 1300's, Pope Boniface VIII attempted to enforce papal authority on kings like previous popes had before. When King Philip IV asserted his authority over French bishops, the Pope responded with an official document that stated that kings must always obey popes. Philip did not like this, so he had him held prisoner in 1303. The pope was rescued, but he died a month later. After this incident, a pope would not be able to force monarchs to obey them. -
Jan 1, 1378
The Great Schism (Western Schism)
In 1378, after Pope Gregory XI died, the College of Cardinals met to choose a successor. Outside, they could hear a mob screaming, asking for a Roman or Italian pope. Finally, they announced Pope Urban VI (Italian) had been chosen. Many regretted their choice and because of his passion for reform and his arrogant personality, they had to elect a 2nd pope: Robert of Geneva. This conflict quickly escalated from a church problem to a diplomatic crisis that divided Europe. -
Jan 1, 1400
Aztec Religion
Aztec religious practices centered on elaborate public ceremonies and rituals. The most important ones involved a sun god, Huitzilopochtli, who made the sun rise every day. To make sure that he was strong enough to battle evil to get to the next day, he needed nourishment of human blood. For this reason, Aztec priests practiced human sacrifice on a massive scale. Because prisoners of war were preferred victims, the Aztec military was pushed to carry out new conquests and go to war for victims. -
Jan 1, 1478
The Spanish Inquisition
The Spanish Inquisition was an institution that was created to guard the orthodoxy of Catholicism in Spain. Those who weren’t Catholics, such as Jews or Heretics, were tortured, persecuted, burned, or killed. The Spaniards placed great importance on Catholicism and believed that it was important enough to justify any means used to attain it. During this time in history, many were killed. -
Jan 1, 1500
The Reformation
In 1500, a new movement for religious reform began in Germany, then Europe. Many forces started to weaken the church, one was a man named Martin Luther. Luther was unhappy with the selling of indulgences, so he created the 95 Thesis, formal statements that attacked the selling of indulgences. Both the pope and the emperor opposed Luther, but this did not stop him. Luther and his followers became a religious group called Lutherans. Those who protested the Catholic Church were called Protestants. -
Jan 1, 1520
The Catholic Reformation
Although Protestant churches won many followers, millions stayed true to Catholicism. The movement of helping Catholics to remain loyal within the Catholic Church to reform itself was the Catholic reformation (Counter Reformation). Important leaders were reformers, such as Ignatius of Loyola, who founded new religious orders, and two popes: Paul III and Paul IV, who took actions to reform and renew the Church from within. -
Attempt to Christianize Indians
While Jonas Michaëlus was trying to convert Indians, he said that they were rough, inhuman, and wild, but were also loving and respectful. Both genders in the ministry were to be separated so that there would not be any confusion. The Indians, however, did not speak badly about the godlike majesty of their Creator. Jonas thought it might be better to try and convert the youth first because they have not already began worshiping the Indian god. -
On the Great Religious Revival
Many societies of prayer and social religion were kept up while others broke down due to loss of spirit. After this, people began to be more engaged in their religion and were more active. Many people were concerned for those who did not have a religion. Those people soon learned that religion should be a very big part of their lives, and in response, joined a religion to actively participate in. -
Declaration the Free Exercise of Religion
Because America was a free country, people wanted to be able to exercise any religion they wanted. This was in a response to the Declaration of Independence which stated the allowance of practicing any religion. People began to build all kinds of churches in the country. If people were to decide their privileges, Christianity would prevail above all other religions. -
The Beginning of Reform Judaism
Members from Israel wanted to create a religion for the future welfare and respect for their country. If Jewish people were to recite the hasan in English, they believe that the congregation would be impressed with the amount of worship and divine obligations they have. Jewish people also believe in the necessity of good behavior. -
Religious Sects and Religious Freedom in America
All citizens of America should get along no matter what their religion is. The difference in successes of religions should not matter, but self-respect as well as self- interest should. No one needs to go through a special evaluation just to be able to join a specific religion; they should be able to join any religion without any cost. -
What Jehovah's Witnesses Stand For
The increase of knowledge has led to new beginnings for religion. It opens a feeling of self-respect in people and also a realization of their rights. The church was taught not to interfere with rulers in any way. Also, the church was told to obey the laws and respect those in authority.
