Reformation: The Council of Trent & John Calvin

Reformation is taking hold on continental Europe, espousing doctrines in direct opposition to the Roman Catholic church. Rome must respond, and does so starting with the Council of Trent. In addition, we will learn about another large figure in the early Protestant Reformation, John Calvin.

When you hear the work 'council' you think of a meeting, but this 'meeting' extended almost 20 years through the reign of three popes. The four main decisions or decrees that the council produced were:

1. A rejection of Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone is the Authority) and a re-affirmation of the authority of Papal decree and tradition as equal with scripture;

2. A rejection of Sola Fide (Justification by Faith Alone) and a reiteration that justification is a progressive process that requires works;

3. An establishment of Transubstantiation (real physical transformation of the bread and wine during communion into the body of blood of Christ) as church doctrine.

4. Ecclesiastical reforms in the clergy.