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Protestant Reformation Document Based Questions

The following documents are all based on the writings of Martin Luther, a Monk who started the
protestant reformation use these documents to answer the following question and construct an
understand about what the protestant reformation was and why it started.

1. The following document is a historical introduction to Martin Luther and his time
Let’s HIPP this document

Based on the introduction answer the following questions

Who is the author of the documents?

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Who is the intended audience for these letters?

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What is the purpose of the letters?

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What is the historical setting?

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 2. The following document is a letter written by Luther discussing the relationship between the
Emperor and the Pope

What is Luther’s thesis (main argument) in this letter?

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What emperor is he referring to here?

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Based on this argument what is luthers position on Secular vs Religious power?

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3. The following Document is a letter written by Luther discussing the practice of Pilgrimage and
how Priests are chosen

What is Luthers position on Pilgrimages? What reasons does he give for his belief?

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How does Luther think the local priest should be chosen?

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Does Luther think Priests should be able to Marry?

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4. The following document is a letter written by Luther discussing catholic festivals and holidays

What is Luthers position on festivals? Why does he feel that way?

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 5. The following is a document written by Luther discussing the poor & beggars

What is Luther’s position on Beggars?

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How does he think the poor should be taken care of?

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What aspect of the church is he criticizing here?

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6. Synthesis – using the previous documents and your understanding of history; what do you think
are the main reasons for the Protestant Reformation? What is Luther hoping to change? Are the
causes political, economic or cultural?

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