Reformation Glossary

Posted by Lorri Brown Apr 13, 2007

Here is a glossary of terms used throughout the Protestant Reformation and Counter (Catholic) Reformation, for a quick reference guide.

• Calvinism- Protestant religious sect, whose beliefs are based on the teachings of the Protestant reformer, John Calvin.
• Catholic Reformation- Another name used to describe the era known as the Counter Reformation.
• Council of Trent- First Counter Reformation meeting of Catholic Church officials. It lasted from 1545-1563.
• Eucharist- Celebration of the mass in which worshipers partake of the host (holy wafers) and sometimes the wine symbolizing the blood of Christ.
• Huguenot- Name given to French Calvinists. They were heavily persecuted during the Wars of Religion in France.
• Indulgence- A pardon that releases a sinner from a penalty for committing a sin.
• Jesuits- Members of the Society of Jesus, a religious order began by the Catholic reformer, Ignatius of Loyola.
• Lutheranism- Sect of Protestantism, began by followers of Martin Luther.
• Peace of Augsburg- The compromise reached by the German princes, following the beginning of the
• Protestant Reformation. It stated that the leader of each German state would decide his states religion.
• Predestination- The belief that God has known since the beginning of time who He will save. This is a core tenant of Calvinism.
• Presbyterianism- A Protestant church ruled by laymen. It was founded in Scotland by Protestant reformer, John Knox.
• Simony- The medieval practice of buying and selling church positions and titles (priest, bishop, ect…).
• Theocracy- A government controlled by religious leaders. John Calvin founded a theocracy in Geneva.