A Tragic Fracture
In the 16th century, the Church was in need of reform. Clerical immorality, the selling of indulgences, and political power struggles were rampant. Martin Luther's initial "95 Theses" were a call to debate these abuses, which many good Catholics agreed with.
Luther's first complaint was the selling of indulgences, and many faithful Catholics agreed with him about that abuse. Being able to separate the legitimate complaint from the later break is what makes a conversation with a Protestant friend worth having. Catholic/Christian Pro gives you in-depth Bible studies on the passages the Reformation turned on, justification in Romans and Galatians and faith and works in James 2, with audio devotionals, guided prayers, worship playlists and full offline access. $49 one-time, lifetime access, no subscription.
Get Pro for $49 One-time payment. Lifetime access, no recurring charge. 30-day money-back guarantee.Tragically, what started as reform turned into revolution. Luther moved from criticizing abuses to attacking core doctrines (Authority of the Pope, Sacraments, Tradition). The unity of Western Christendom was shattered, leading to centuries of religious wars.
Luther moved from criticising abuses to rejecting the papacy, the sacraments and Tradition, and each of those moves has Scripture cited on both sides. Reading the passages settles more than reading anyone's summary of them. Pro gives you in-depth Bible studies on Matthew 16, John 6, 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 1 Timothy 3:15, with audio devotionals, guided prayers, worship playlists and full offline access. $49 once, lifetime access, no subscription.
Get Pro for $49 $49 once. Lifetime access, no subscription. 30-day money-back guarantee.The Church responded with the Council of Trent, which addressed the corruption and clarified the doctrines. It launched a spiritual renewal led by saints like Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila, and Philip Neri. True reform always comes from sanctity, not schism.
Trent addressed the corruption and clarified the doctrine, and the renewal that followed came through Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila and Philip Neri, who each began by reforming themselves. That work has no waiting list and no better starting date than today. Catholic/Christian Pro gives you audio devotionals, guided prayers for morning and night, in-depth Bible studies and worship playlists, all available offline. $49 one-time payment, lifetime access, no subscription and no recurring charges. Confession and Mass are free at your parish. This buys study material and audio, nothing else. Start today.
Get Pro for $49 $49 one-time. Lifetime access, no subscription. 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.Prefer to give instead of buy? Support this ministry with a donation.