Thursday, September 8, 2011
Unit 2 Blog Response (Yes you have to answer and respond to get a grade)
Assess the relative effect of the Protestant Reformation on one of the following: the nobility, the middle class, the peasantry or women. (Hint: All are social aspects) (Remember to respond to the question in 6-8 sentences (yes it can be longer) and to respond to two of your classmates answers in 4-6 sentences. Do not just agree or disagree without defending or justifying your argument.) Think above and beyond the common answers that you may see. Be sure to challenge your classmates with controversial tactics, actions or selections. Good Luck!!!! Go Mustangs!!!
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As we previously learned, women were seen as inferior during the Renaissance. Even those that were educated and privileged were viewed as ornaments. However, during the Reformation, the view on women changed. Protestant reformers were ones who preferred clerical marriage, and as a result, women began to be praised more. This is evident through Luther who wrote that men and society in general would not be able to function without women. There was also Calvin who wrote that he lost his best companion when his wife passed away. These writings expressed that Protestants valued marriage and family life, and that clerical marriages would not become a distraction. In addition, it was believed that the ideal marriage would be one with husband and wife working cooperatively with equal authority. Seeing as how this ideal was not present in all households, divorce and remarrying became more common, even for women. The Protestant Reformation's effect on women is also evident through the way women in higher classes started to enjoy more social and political freedom. Due to the desire for pious housewives, women were encouraged to be educated, and this access to education allowed females to more actively participate in society. The effects of the reformation definitely supported the growing freedom of women. Although it wasn't a sudden change, the development of differing views still contributed to a society that was opening their minds to the varying perspectives.
First five posters get extra-credit (as long as they follow the directions and are historically accurate.) Good Luck and looks like we have 1 of 5 people posted. Great Job!!!!
Well, in countries that embraced the Reformation, convents were closed down, and nuns were forced to enter secular life.For those who had not wanted to be nuns in the first place (girls were often placed in convents by their parents when quite young) it would have been a blessing to be released. But for those who had embraced the contemplative life, it would have been a tragic end to a way of life that they had loved. It also meant that there was no longer a respectable alternative to marriage for "upper-class" women in those countries.
But the number of nuns was always very small in comparison with the number of monks, so the number of women whose lives were actually disrupted by this change would have been relatively small.
Some women were eager converts to Protestantism, and there were some sensable female scholars of the Protestant movement.In some Protestant states, the divorce laws were changed to make divorce more easily abtainable.A husband owed his wife fidelity was a point much emphasised by Protestant writers of the Reformation period.
The role of women changed significantly due to the Protestant Reformation and it created new ideals for the women. The roles of women began to increase and they were appreciated more. Instead of being seen as an accessory to their husbands, women actually participated in their society because they were approved to be well educated. This freedom lead to them being a part of an essential part of the community and influencing it. It also altered the balance of power in a typical household.
Protestantism ended convents and nunneries. As a result, women were encouraged to read and study the Bible on their own. Protestant Reformers believed that women should remain inferior to their husbands. I don't support that view because I think the women should have an important part at least in her family. I believe the Protestantism was more positive about the role of women. I think the amount of women disrupted by this change was larger because even just the opportunity for women to be more outspoken about their thoughts about society and other topics was essential to their growth of equivalent power.
As for the peasantry and townspeople, some were protestant and some were not. The printers' guild also stood out among early protestant supporters regardless of their level. Some peasants felt pushed around and bullied by either local or distant authority; they often perceived an ally in the protestant movement. Also, the political and social influence changed their religion. Martin Luther wrote and preached, scorning the authority of ecclesiastical landlords. He also ridiculed papal laws and saw them as just arbitrary human inventions. This touched the religious and political nerves for peasants, city-dwellers and the townspeople. The peasants were not kept out of the dark because they heard in the Sermons, and in pamphlets of a promise of political liberation and a degree of social betterment. The peasants found their liberties to be slipping away by the secular and ecclesiastical landlords . For example, fishing, hunting, and representation. Also the laypeople brought different degrees of culture to the communities through travel and expense. The lay religious movements also effected the peasants. Their goal was religious simplicity in imitation of Jesus. Also, the constance of the peasants economic situation can be understood through Luther's lack of support for the peasant revolt even during the reformation. At first, it looked like a way out for people, but then Luther reaffirmed that the peasant's action were un-christian. All of these events show the involvement and impact the peasants had during the Protestant Reformation.
Many middle class people, even though they were middle class, were looked down upon by nobility. Because of the Renaissance, many guilds were rising in power because their craft was in more demand. These middle class groups who were gaining both materially and rising in the social class were one of the prime supporters of the Reformation. The Reformation allowed such individuals to free themselves from the church's dominating power, and have more power for themselves. They could also lead simpler religious lives, and in a way, separate the religious aspect of their lives from the political. Many Guilds also protested against any form of politics because they were against governmental authority. Higher up Guilds were generally well educated, but regardless of education, most Guilds still opposed the government. They supported Protestant propaganda, and since they had that sourch of money to be able to support it, the Protestant Reformation spread that much faster. Individuals such as Erasmus and Luther really helped push these notions along, and groups like the Lollards and the Hussites in the 15th century also contributed to the Reformation. They exposed the corrupt ways of the Church, and doing so, allowed doubt of the Church's doings to enter into the churchgoers minds. These people wanted to know religion for themselves instead of taking in this corrupt, twisted knowledge from the popes. Luther, especially, contributed to the start of the Reformation, and gave Portestant sermons and informational pamphlets. Many of the middle class attended these also, helping to spread the Reformation.
From the previous unit, we learned about how the northern humanists incorporated religion into their ideas, but as well as trying to reform the church. The church realized that they could sell a certificate that states a christian could be freed of his punishments owed to his sins, the church created a whole lot more, claiming they have a a treasury of it. Some were against this selling of indulgences and the church's doing of trying to bring in money for personal use. The poor and peasants were the ones being affected the most, because they felt it was unfair that the papacy could create laws to protect themselves, so all this anger towards the church led up to revolts and complaints against the church. The peasants and the poor couldn't do much since the hierarchy is made of the rich. The reformation served as a foundation from which the peasants could get support from fellow believers and voice their thoughts. But most importantly, the Protestant Reformation relieved the poors and peasants of being told what to think or believe, because they were starting to be educated by Protestant sermons and pamphlet.
Tt for3: I'd like to add that although women were seen as inferior, their status was still rising during the Reformation. As I stated in my own comment, the Renaissance was a time where women were merely ornaments. However, as the Reformation came, the women were more appreciated and praised. I agree that the women's increase in status made them more influential and important in society. In addition, I also agree that the Reformation was a more positive time for women, at least when compared to the Renaissance. They broke out from their limitations and started to state their opinions and stand up for their beliefs more than they had before. Before the Reformation, they were more passive.
CarriejwC: I also agree with the effect of the Reformation on the church. During the middle ages, the church was supreme to the state. However, during the Renaissance, the roles were switched. As the Protestant Reformation approached, more errors of the church were revealed, but this time, people took more action. I feel as if the indulgences were what really made people want to take action, due to how immoral the concept was. For people to have the ability to buy forgiveness wasn't morally correct to most. In addition, I agree about the effect of indulgences on the poor, because while the wealthy could do what they want to gain forgiveness, the poor had to be cautious and careful to make up for their mistakes. This probably caused wealthy people to abandon their responsibilities because they knew they could just buy mercy. On the other hand, the poor were more motivated to do good.
Lily.L: I agree with Lily's statement on the social impact on women during the Reformation. Since some Protestant religions allow their priest to marry, some women's social status rose, due to the appeal of more pious housewives. The Protestant Reformation promoted education and that encouraged women to pursue knowledge and be educated. A few women took this and acted upon on it by publishing work or participated in society. The role of women during the Protestant Reformation set examples that later motivated women in the early 1900's to start a movement for women's rights.
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Michaela Colburn:I also agree with Michaela's response to the social aspect of peasants during the Protestant Reformation. In addition to the peasants being ruled by a distant power, they also were told of what to believe and think by the church. Martin Luther was on the peasant's side but condemned them when they chose to revolt. I believe that the peasants were being educated about the corruptions within the church, but not how they should handle the situation.
In the Protestant reformation the peasants were effected. The peasants hope for a better life in labor was florished by luther. He wrote and spoke about how the landowners were treating the workers badly. The peasants
disliked how the lords over wrote on law and customs. When they heard luther talk about land owners it meant a lot to them. They revolted but did not succeed. Many peasants were killed. The peasants gained nothing. They stayed in the lower class level.
Michaela Colbourn:
I agree with her. The peasants revolted beacuse luther critized the way the landowners treated them. the peseants revolted. Luther was not there for them. he turned his back on them leaving them with no leader of the man who inspired their revolts. He thought the peasants were wrong for revolting they went agianst the bible. That one should not go agianst their ruler.
Tf For 3:
Women should have had a better role in their household. If they were educated enough to talk and speak their minds in society. They should not have to be inferior to their husband. They should atleast be equal in power in their marriage and family.
Keep it rolling people. I think the girls are kicking the boys butts on this blog. Ok, guys you need to step up your game. Luther would have wondered why you would have been afraid to comment.
During the reformation the peasantry had viewed Martin Luther and The reformation as a chance to have higher authority in society. The peasantry had opposed the secular efforts of their lords and saw the reformation as an opportunity.Several peasant leaders were Lutherans, and agreed with Luther's views on Christian freedom and his criticism on the Catholic Church's lifestyle. They sought Luther's support in hopes of getting more social freedom, and hoping to free themselves from serfdom. At first, Luther had sympathized with the peasants, and urged princes to meet the needs of these peasants, however when the peasants revolted against their landlords in the name of Luther, Luther then saw them as being "Unchristian" and were working with the devil, and he then urged the revolts to be suppressed. To conclude though, the Reformation had gave the peasantry hope in trying to move up in society, though it ended up with them dying.
According to the previous information, lower class women were seen as inferior during the Middle Ages, and Renaissance, but this eventually changed. Even thought, educated and privileged women were somewhat treasured back then, some were still treated horribly. During the Age of Reformation, women were no longer viewed as they did, and began to become more important. The reformation, allowed women to gain a bit more power, and respect as time passes. People who disagreed with the churches, perspectives, and equality back then, began to unite and follow leaders such as Martin Luther, and John Calvin to oppose them. Indulgences were the cause of many conflicts during the Age of Reformation. Churches used indulgences as an excuse to make profit off of people. Not only did this contradict the bible, but also aggravated many people because this was a corrupted act, and it is the incorrect way of how churches should be functioning. Indulgence was also the main reason why the peasant revolt occurs causing unnecessary casualties, and giving Luther a reason of why not to assist peasants on this problem. The reformation that assisted the development of the views towards women and also allow people to be open minded to the new ideas of marriage. Not only was there clerical marriages, but also divorce, and remarriage. The ideal marriage was that husband and wife should cooperate and work together accordingly with equal authority and privileges. The reformation contributed to the society with a variety of different thoughts and the development of equality among males and females.
I agree with Laura, and in addition to her information, Luther did sided with the peasants in a way, but in the end, he did not fully support them, instead he had the opposing force fight them mercilessly which caused the casualties in the peasant revolts and the suppression.
I also agree with Sarah, in addition to her information, Luther perspectively disagreed with the peasants on how violence will solve things. These series of aggressive acts gave Luther a reason not to completely aid them in the revolt. Not only because of the aggressive acts that made Luther think of them as untrustworthy, but also because of how they take actions without yielding the laws and continuously committing sins and doing something that is against the bible, even tho they were warned repetitively.
Tommy:
I agree with what you wrote about women gaining more respect, but at the same time, they still had to be in subjection to their husbands. Women in the time didn't neccessarily grow to have more power, but had more rights and freedom, because they were allowed to divorce/remarry, and have an education. However, about their power, I feel that Elizabeth I had a lot to do with removing the doubt about women rulers, so they did grow to have more power, in a sense. Socially, they didn't, but politically, Elizabeth I proved that women can rule fairly and strongly too.
I strongly believe that the out look of women was changed during the Protestant Reformation. During the Renaissance we learned that women were looked at and treated much more differently than men. Many people didn't believe women were capable of doing so much and many didn't see all that women do for them. Protestant Reformers preferred clerical marriage and as a result to that it changed the out look for women. This gave women much more freedom to stand up and do what they wanted. The things that women started to do influenced others and their community. Women were praised more, and gave them the assurance that men wouldn't be able to function without them.
During the Protestant Reformation, women were not treated with respect. The women were to take care of the family, and the household chores. Their husbands forced them to do anything to please themselves. Women were not allowed their own opinions, and had to agree with their husbands. This included their religious views, and it also kept them from freedom to publish or preach their personal beliefs. Also during this time, many convents were shut down. By closing female convents down, it also purposefully eliminated women with a leadership position that involved religion.
Danielle, I agree with you, somewhat. Yes, it may have been tragic for the nuns that knew no other life. However, the new girls that didn't have to live like that, would be happy, but also somewhat disappointed that women officials based on religion were eliminated. While getting rid of convents was very beneficial to some women, it took away the one chance women had to freely express their religion. I agree with you for your statement that women were now offered one less respected alternative to marriage. These women were lost without marriage or a nun life, you had no real job, and while this sounds like a lot less work, it was another reason for women to get looked down upon.
Lily, I agree with your point that you made about how horribly women were treated. Regardless of their education, they were always inferior. While some of the husbands to these women were different and treated their wives with respect,it was rare. Without The Protestant Reformation, women wouldn't be able to have as much respect as the Protestant religion taught. I also agree that this was the time for marriage to become more meaningful then an extra salary. This brought an actual relationship to the common marriage. Also, this brought the topic of divorce, because with finding love in a marriage spouse, this meant that some people felt that they were not where they should be.
During the Protestant Reformation, many social aspects were changed in the Renaissance. A very significant change was in the peasantry, especially. Peasants were trapped in constant debt due to their serfdoms, and held deep contempt for the landowners. When Martin Luther originally posted his 95 Theses, when the peasants read through them, they saw all the ideas stated by Luther as corresponding to their ideals. They agreed with the reforms he suggested, and saw him as a guiding light in leading them to freedom and more fairness in society. The document pushing for change in religion stirred something in the peasants, and helped to cause them to start pushing for change in society towards the lower class. It filled most of the peasantry with that need for revolution, which caused the Peasant Revolt of 1525.
In the Protestant Reformation had a huge effect on the nobility, the middle class, the peasantry and women. Peasantry went a long way and changed drastically throughout the reformation. The peasants were mainly looked down upon and never really got a chance in society. Due to this fact they were easily persuaded and with the catholic church selling out office positions to people and indulgences. The peasants eventually revolted against the catholic church during this reformation.
The Protestant Reformation effected many social aspects such as the peasantry, the nobility,the middle class and the women. Although women were looked down upon during the Renaissance as the ages went on changes started to occur. During the Middle Ages women had more rights than before but they were still of less importance. Luther believed women should stay at home to take care of the family. Clerical marriage was preferred by Protestants and began to glorify women more than they used to. Women were beginning to educate themselves in order to teach their kids what they know. Education led to a broader variety of opportunities for women. Education alllowed women to hold high positions in the Church and obtain high positions in society.
LauraSan:
I just wanted to add that when they revolted against the Church it was called the Peasant's War. When they revolted, Luther didn't agree with their actions. Luther called them dogs and said they acted un-Christain like. It's ironic how they were Luther's followers but he doesn't agree with their actions.
Morgan:
I agree and disagree with what you said. I believe women gained more respect then they had before in such time periods as the Renaissance and Middle Ages. Women were now allowed to be educated and teach their children how to read. During the Renaissance it was rare for a women to know how to read. Women were even allowed to hold high positions in a Church, women were not allowed to even have job they were supposed to stay home and only take care of the family. They were expected to continue to take care of the family but they were liniant on their tasks that women can obtain.
I agree with Lily about how women were treated and how they were "supposed to act". According to the bible they were supposed to be be housewives and stay home and take care of children. Martin Luther pointed out everything out to the people. Luther also explained how if necessary men can hit women.
I agree with Sarah, how Martin Luther's point of views on the peasantry. How the church used people to get more money. The church was doing immoral things with the church. They used peasants to persuade them to buy indulgences.
Peasants in the protestant reformation felt took advantage of by the upper classes. They were bambozled into bying indulgences when they already had very lilttle money. They didnt have alot of choices in their politics and religons considering they were judged upon there decisions.The peasants found their liberties to be going away one by one the secular and landlords. All of the peasants and poor suffered the most due to their social class. All of the desicions that were made ended up having a part to do mostly do with the peasants.
CarriejwC- i agree with your post. I believe that the church should be focusing on religion that should inspire the people. Yet they are taking the money of the peasants that have nothing to give. The church should be punished foir their actions. Martin luther should be praised for making the peasants eyes open.
Lily L.- I for the most part agree with you because the woment are seen more in the reformation times than the renissance. But they werent seen as rolemodels or anything to that extent. They Were more of the mens arm candy than anything. All of the men really wanted women for was to give them sons. They were not used to create power but to give them soomeone who could for them.
As the peasantry, the nobility, the middle class and the women. The peasents revolted against the Catholic Church in the peasents war.Luther didnt agree with them and responded to them by calling them dogs and stating they were being unchristian. Luther didnt agree with thee actions beause he didnt beleive you should go against the church.Luther just wanted to fix the churchs flaws.The peasents started relizing all the flaws in the church and theyre fake ways of teachinf catholicism,thats why they revolted.
Bryanna Esplana:I agree with her because women were treated alot differently then men in the reinaissance period.Woman were looked upon as house wives and not any higher power or leaders. The men posessed alot of power that the woman did not.Because Protestant Reformers preferred clerical marriage and as a result to that it changed the out look for women. The women were held too a more respectful power.
Toward the Unknown:
First of all, who are you?
Not to be rude, but merely curious c:
Second of all...
I disagree with how you said the peasants were easily swayed because they had no chance in society. I feel that they were easily swayed because they never had the opportunity to be able to learn how to read and write and undergo general education like thos of higher classes, and that led to them being more guillible. In the generations past, the peasants were used to listening to the popes, and they believed their word because they had no other connection to god. As the Reformation grew and expanded, and more people had the chance to be educated, the peasants learned for themselves the right and the wrong because they were able to read the bible. The peasants did not revolt against the Catholic Church, but against the nobles as they wrongly interpreted Luther's words and thought he meant they should receive more freedom and have to work less, which was not the case. The Peasants Revolt was mainly directed towards being able to gain more rights by using Luther's teachings incorrectly. The Revolt was crushed by the nobles when Luther urged them to stop the rebellious peasants, even though he was allied with them in a sense, because if hadn't, he would be contradicting his own teachings.
Unknown...glad your here but I need to know who you are to give you a grade and if your not a student more power to you for getting involved in our intellectual conversations.
imani smith
The effects of the Reformation were significant on the Peasants. For example the peasants revolt. When the English reformation armies sent by King Henry VIII were going around destroying Catholic Churches and etc. The King was also demanding more taxes from them. The peasants then revolted to stop them from destroying their religion and suppressing them. The uprising of the peasants forced the hierarchy to reconsider thier institutions.They wanted more say, more economic independence and more freedom.One of the freedoms they sought was the freedom to move from one place of employment to another. At this time while not called 'slaves' they were under the control of the noble they farmed/worked for. They needed permission to travel and were rarely allowed to seek employment in another region. This made England a huge player in history.
The views of women from the Renaissance to the Reformation had a significant change. Women were praised if they pursued their "biblical vocations" which were to be a good mother and housewife. Reformers saw their wives as indispensable, they were absolutely needed and essential. Martin Luther says himself that without women, homes, cities, economic life, and government would virtually disappear. Not only were women needed in households, they were also needed throughout other aspects of society. Men and women had equal authorities in their homes and women also gained an egual right to divorce and remarry. Biblical education was encouraged for women, especially because Protestants wanted them to model their lives on the Bible. Being an educated women gave you some roles as independent authors. The effect the Protestant Reformation had on women is clear because women of higher class enjoyed the new social and political freedoms.
Lily L: I completely agree with you. Especially how you said that an ideal marriage wasn't seen in all households. Since an ideal marriage was seen as a man and women having equal rights in the household, not all agreed with that. Which led to a higher rate of divorce even for women, just as you said.I think that is very significant.
LauraSan: I agree with what you said but I think it's also important that the peasants saw Luthers views similar to their own. When they saw Luther's teaching about Christian freedom and his Criticism of monastic landowners they openly solicited his support. I think it's also important how you added that many peasants died. That they didn't gain much out of the revot and remained in the lower class level.
During the reformation the lives how peasants families changed was due to the social and economic effects of the reformation. The reformation changed the choices peasants had in which way they chose to live because of the new options such as a greater education, religion, and marriage. Peasants were encouraged to be more self observant and independent so marriage also became later in life which most were arranged. But this also endangered the mortality rate of older women who bore children at a later age. These are some of the social significances on peasant life changed from the effects of the reformation in Europe.
#1baller: I agree with you when you say that its was significant that women were allowed to learn and be regarded much more highly as a result in the reformation. And its was also important to distinguish between the protestant women and high class women. Since protestant women weren't given all of the perks of the reformation like women of higher stature. Protestant women were mainly given these chances because of the need to be a role model of biblical life in front of society and their families.
IshaniR: Although what you say is true, I wouldn't have said women were looked down on. They were though considered lesser importance than they grow to be with the teachings of the reformation. Martin Luther and John Calvin we lessees that taught the importance of women in their lives and family. I also completely agree with you when you tell us the importance of educational opportunities of women during and after the reformation changes the point of view of a women's value to the community and home.
In my opinion the cause of the reformation effected the peasents the most. They didn't have much sence of control for many reasons. The peasents didn't know how to read which gave them a dissadvantage when important documents such as95 thesis talked about. Simply all the could do is listen to what the people that can read tell them them about it. Most of the people that can read were nobles and upper class. They were pritty much not really cared for even though they were the kings people. Another aspect was that their mind was set on good and how to be a good cathlic etc. Which made them brainwashed for what the pope was telling them vs.what someone like john calvin and martin luther were saying. It made them rethink what a true cathlic was and weather all the information they were getting was true or not.
Tommy:
-The peasants were disrespected by their lords because of their increasing demand of more work and Luther initially supported the peasants. Luther criticized the church's sale of indulgences and initiated the protestant reformation. The protestant reformation was also led by John Calvin and they objected the catholic church. Once the peasants began their violent revolt, Luther disagreed toward their unchristian behaviors.
-Women did gain respect during the reformation, but they were still subject compared to their husbands. In the development of women equality, they had more opportunities to participate in more political activities.
duskull: The social aspects during the reformation contributed to the peasant's improved lives. There were opportunities for education and they received more freedom of religion and marriage. I agree that the peasants were in debt due to serfdom and were encouraged by Luther's reforms to begin a revolt because they wanted a revolution.
I'm very proud of all of you who have taken care of business on this blog. It is a beautiful thing. Keep up the great work!!!!
The actions and changes that came about as a result of the Protestant Reformation had great effects on European peasantry. There was great unhappiness among the lower class, for a number of reasons: high taxes, unfair wages, not enough rights or representation. Peasants basically felt bullied by the higher powers; the Reformation gave them the strength to push for better a living. Lutheran preachings had risen the peasants’ hope for liberation, specifically in Germany. They believed that their arguments for equal rights were backed by spiritual reasons. This gave cause for the revolts carried out by the lower class.
Morgan: I disagree with what you’re saying about women not being treated with respect during the times of the Reformation. Their position at home was more valued and they did not only do chores. It was a woman's job, if educated herself, to teach her children. I think this is a very honorable task, seeing as before it was ludicrous for women to even be literate and now they are encouraged to instruct their young. There were also laws established to increase the security of women, like the right to divorce and remarry. Personal and religious beliefs were expressed in schools created by women for young girls. I also think that women’s loss in religious leadership was due to more the Protestant religion then the shutting down of convents. Luther’s teachings emphasized the importance of women staying at home and so Protestant women did not become nuns or enter church positions- Catholic women still pursued those roles. Yes, women were still not on the same level as men, but the gap between them had lessened.
Amanda Marie: I agree that Luther and his teachings did inspire the peasants to revolt against their superiors; it was not really the fact that they were going against the church that caused him to turn against them. Martin Luther was going against the church in his own way so I don’t think he would be discontent with the opposition. Lutherans didn’t think that their religious movement would be successful if connected with the peasant revolution. There was no point in trying to better the church if it resulted in violence, with the changes falling short. Their reforms would not have had the fullest affects. The resulting violence was also reason for Luther to not support the peasant’s actions. Luther would have contradicted his own beliefs if he had sided with the peasants and that is why he didn’t support the revolts.
@Michaela: I think you are right in your paragraph. The conclusions you drew about the Protestant Reformation having political and social effects on the peasantry were very inline and i definitely agree with them. However, I would argue against your saying that Martin Luther's non-support for the Peasant Revolt was in anyway significant to the economic situation of the peasants. I believe that's going a bit too deep, though you could argue that his deeming of there acts to be "un-Christian" held a significance SOCIALLY. Otherwise, I would agree whole heartedly with your paragraph.
Morgan...I would agree with what she said convents were shut down. By shutting down female convents within the movement, effectively closed off the option of a full-time religious role for Protestant women. Martin Luther himself taught that "the wife should stay at home and look after the affairs of the household as one who has been deprived of the ability of administering those affairs that are outside and concern the state…." John Calvin agreed that "the woman's place is in the home." I also think that the family bond became stronger as a whole as well as what the women played a part of. Their actions as a mother were to be silent, obedient, and to perform household tasks. The purpose of women's education was the development of an accepted concept of marriage and training in domestic skills. Women were taught how to look after children, care for their homes, make clothing for her family, and tend livestock. The change was that women were now encouraged to study the bible in vernacular language, to be a biblical influence for children and with husband. By allowing women to become educated and read the bible they found passages suggesting women were equal to men in the presiance of god.
@Unknown: I feel you are missing the point of the prompt in your response. I disagree with you claiming that the peasants were "easily persuaded," though I think you may have meant something more along the lines of "easily enchanted," referring to how most of the peasantry was immediately swept away by the call for reforms that Martin Luther initially made in his 95 Theses. "Enchanted" works better here, because the 95 Theses Luther wrote wasn't aimed at having the peasants its audience; he wasn't TRYING to persuade them of anything. Rather, when they DID read it, they immediately felt supportive of Luther's call for change, and this led them to apply his ideas of reformation to their situations, mainly in wanting change in the laws of serfdom. I also think that the mention of simony and indulgences was irrelevant to this particular topic, as neither of those things really were THAT driving of a force towards affecting the peasantry during the Protestant Reformation; i think they were only added on fuel to the flame, not matches themselves.
Zaira...I agree with what you said that it affected the peasants. I would say that Luther affected them more because his actions led them to revolt. He did not want any revolting so he condemned them and said they were un-Christian. The peasants didn't know how to read so that affected them but I still think that they were involved in a lot of Luther's preachings and sermons. Most of his beliefs were accepted by the majority of peasants. I also found that the connections of their feelings and how they were thinking religiously was quite interesting. I feel the same way in that the reformation made them question their beliefs and if they were a true catholic.
At which point in time were the peasants encouraged to change their rebellious ways to become a stricter society? in other words, when did they start too follow the protestant work ethic?
@Michaela:
I agree with your explanation of Luther's feelings toward the peasants. Perhaps they saw Luther's questioning of the church as a rebellious gesture. Also, in your previous explanation on Luther's view on the role of women, would you say that he saw it as unfit but necessary? Luther's wife Katerina von Bora was only mentioned because it showed people that marriage should be more than just an economic and social bondage, but more companionate. Would she have felt differently about his views?
The Protestant Reformation a very important social aspect that changed was the peasantry. Before the reformation peasants were looked down upon and only good for farming, but it ended up changing. A very important aspect is when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses, many peasants agreed with what Luther had stated in the theses. This ended up contributing to peasant revolts. The effects of this ended up being good for the peasants because the rules of of the countries were suppressing them and it all changed. They eventually got chance to gain a better life by more chances in education and freedom in life and choice in religion
Ryu: I agree with you but you forgot to mention that Martin Luther was an important key role in the reformation. He started the reformation so he will have a very large impact on the society. He inspired many peasants to question if what the Catholic church was doing to them was right or not. Luther helped influence the idea that even though they were peasants they were still important.
Duskull: I strongly agree with you, Martin Luther was an important key for peasant revolts. He pretty much took control and led people, because he made many peasants think about how they were being treated. Which led to to revolts causing their governments to rewrite laws. The results caused many peasants to live better lives with better chances.
The women in the reformation were expected to be housewives . Martin Luther was very strictly to the bible . Although he married a nun and had seven children didn't change anything in his beliefs . Many peasants Germany followed Luther (Lutherans) . They were suffering economically . The German peasants wanted freedom , but they were afraid of the Peasant Revolts . The peasants felt betrayed by Luther , and most peasants rejected his religion .
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