Originally posted by s0uljah
How did the bad behavior of 5 popes create a new theology, given that the core Catholic beliefs never changed, despite the bad behavior of some Popes?
Okay. I read the information you referrenced. The gentleman who posted the information seems to have done a good job of explaining the roots of the Protestant reformation. He does notate the following:
"This booklet is meant to be a handbook, not a complete study of Reformation theology, and certainly not a complete history. Rather, it attempts to capture the key events, and key theological views of the key 16th-century reformers, in a (hopefully) easy to read and easily accessible format. The booklet does not examine later (post-16th century) Protestant movements, such as the Methodists or Baptists."
At his own admission he attempts to address "the key events and key theological views of the key 16th-century reformers." His booklet is not a complete study of the Reformation theology, nor a complete history.
As a reformed Protestant I contend that the theological views expressed by such notables as Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Knox, Lewis, and Spurgeon regarding many of the same issues we address on this MB are not new views. Personally, I believe that due to the influence, both financial and political, of the Roman church during this period served, in a large way, to repress any reformatory movements that would lessen the position of the church and her hierarchy. From the information I have read on the state of the Roman church, and I admit it is limited, during this time period there was so much corruption due to nepotism, inaccurate application of the Word, and a corrupt elective system, both in the church's sphere and the government sphere, which seemed to overlap at times, that working within the church would be more involved than just getting rid of "5 popes." The corruption in the Roman church, from all accounts I've read, spread so far within the organization/church that a complete cleaning house needed to take place. Do you really think that those who were in power, who were abusing their position, would be willing to step down and have, what they considered a radical, another, like Luther, step up and assume the position as church leader?
As heretical as you might view the reformation position, you have them to thank for your ability to go home and read your Bible without learning Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew. Do you truly believe it's God's Will that you don't have that resource, that it be left up to your church clergy to do all of the studying for you?
Sorry bro, I don't see the reformation as simple as resulting from the "bad behavior of 5 popes." The reformation was God's Hand realigning His Body back to the accurate interpretation of His Word.
God bless
