Asa H. Craig, (Asa Hollister), 1847-1934
Many books have been published in explanation of the cause and effects of the Reformation, but these books widely differ in regard to its true origin, the true causes, and the true effect upon mankind and his civilization. The unobservant reader becomes confused at the contradictions, the lack of harmony, and the apparent desire to suppress facts. Read from the life of Martin Luther, and these authors are prejudiced almost wholly in the line of exultation over his achievements, his great power of denunciation of all things 5 Catholic, and the establishment of a new doctrine of worship.
To accept the belief, or statement, of these authors is inconsistent with good judgment. These versions are highly colored in order to give honor, force, and prestige to the hero they describe. While Luther was powerful in his denunciation of the Pope, and in establishing a new creed, yet others were equally earnest, and labored to place themselves at the head of bands of reformers and secure a portion of the notoriety.
The introduction and spread of Protestantism is not based upon the same foundation. It differs materially in the different countries where established. The cause in one country may be wholly different than in another; in fact, there are almost as many different causes as different governments that embraced it.
In England it was wholly based upon the selfish desires of the King, Henry VIII. He had become enamored with Anne Boleyn, the beautiful maid of honor in the Queen’s household, and he conceived the plan of putting away his own wife, and by consent of the Pope, marry Anne. To this end he asked for a divorce, but was refused, the Church laws being against it. Enraged by the refusal to encompass his ends he rebelled against the Church of Rome, made new appointments of arch-bishops, established a court within the church and obtained his divorce. Being excommunicated, he declared his people no longer under the religious control of the Pope, and thus established a new church, the Church of England. In Germany it was an attempt of Martin Luther to engraft his theology upon the Catholic Church, and failing, appealed to the people to renounce their allegiance to the old doctrine and become confessors of the new.
In ^France it was John Calvin and the Huguenots, while in Switzerland it was Zwinglianism. In Holland the Puritans, while Anabaptists were in Sweden, Germany, and England.
It was a rivalry among restless and unrestrained agitators. The Christian world was being shaken by the fiery zeal of these would-be reformers. The atmosphere was charged with the spirit of change, and the people were willing listeners to the exhortations, the new worship of God, and the new plans of salvation. Princes were appealed to drop the allegiance to the Church and place the revenues at their own disposal. Jealous monarchs desired more territory and seized the Papal States, confiscated revenues, levied tribute, and destroyed the peace of nations. Wars became unrestrained. Pillage, devastation, ruin, and bloodshed were almost everywhere. Men fought for conquest, for religion, for church and for the gospel of faith. It was a series of uncontrolled passion for and against. They followed their leaders in blind fanaticism. Down with the Pope and his influence! Down with the Church of Rome, the monasteries, and all institutions of Catholic learning!
Conventions were called to smooth the ways for peace, but of no avail. The reformers were growing louder and louder, and their declarations bolder and bolder. It was a whirlwind sweeping the fields of religious revolt. The fire was being fed by new exhortations, new appeals to throw off the bonds of Popedom, and new manifestations of zeal in the cause of this new Reformation. It was a religious reign of terror. Like France in the days of Robespierre, it was a howling, bellowing mob of religious revolt, of persecution of people, property, and government.
History informs us that in the establishment of Protestantism in Germany it was one long line of wars, conflicts, and desolation. In two years (1524-1525) the “Peasant’s War” in Germany was one of the most destructive of that period. It caused the sacrifice of over one hundred thousand lives, while castles, monasteries, churches, chapels, were sacked and burned. Men, women, and children were denied decent protection. Religious excitement was fanatic madness, influenced by incendiary exhortations. The reformers were falling in disfavor and disrepute, and although it was not wholly a religious war, yet it is charged that the whole cause of foment was due to their teachings and their influence in howling against the Catholic Church. But be it as it may, the followers of the Roman Church were special marks for hatred, malice, and persecution. They fought to defend their homes, their honor, and their religion. It was a war against toleration, against religious freedom, and against the worship of God, except under the dictation of fanatical leaders.
This war was not closed until a large part of Germany was made desolate by fire and sword. It was the old barbaric frenzy of extermination. No quarter, no toleration, no Catholic worship. It was the compulsion of Reformation to have no faith but their faith, no church but their church, no worship but their worship. This exacting creed could see only the proposed salvation of their own exposition. They were right, and all who opposed them, or would not accept their doctrine, were wrong and must be corrected by the force of power.
While Luther was dealing out his Reformation to the people of Germany, other reformers were at work in France and Switzerland. In France it was John Calvin, while in Switzerland it was Ulric Zwingli. These two factions of the Protestants were assailing the Pope and the Roman Church, but at the same time John Calvin was denouncing Zwingli as an impostor and a mercenary heretic. This new conflict became a menace to the cause of Reformation and came near producing a rebellion in their own ranks.
We may, therefore, charge that the Reformation was originated by the inventive resources of Martin Luther and his allies; Henry VIII, and his licentious conduct; Huldrych Zwingli in Switzerland, John Calvin in France and Switzerland, and numerous allies who sought excitement in proclaiming opposition to the Church of Rome. Most of these reformers were apostate priests, and having been in influence among the people, could easily command a following.
These men were those most prominent in the establishment of religious revolt, which to-day has been divided and subdivided, until the various creeds number hundreds of different denominations, while the Catholic Church remains the same in principles of worship, stronger in the power of adherence, of discipline, and of religious tolerance. Its influence is felt over the entire civilized world. Its missions of worship exist among all races of men, and its Christian influence is advancing civilization, and with civilization we have a universal worship of Christ, the improvement of mankind, and the establishment of trade, commerce, and industry.
Christianity not only teaches the blessings of religion, but it educates the mind, develops the intelligence, and raises man above the sphere of indifference, above lawless ignorance, and above the base and brutal instincts of society. It is the great central power of progress, or promotion, in the achievements of thought and purpose. It seeks to build character, to improve ambition, and to teach the soul the true mission of life.
History informs us that from the date of Martin Luther’s first public declaration of Reformation, one hundred and thirty years of terrible bloodshed and carnage ensued before peace was again resumed. Not that it was one hundred and thirty years of constant war, but a constant agitation, turmoil, and periodic rebellions, and in the close of the war Protestants and Catholics we find thirty years of the most stupendous desolation of life and property that the world ever saw.
Almost exactly one hundred years from the time Martin Luther posted his ninety-five theses on the door of the court church at Wittenberg, the “Thirty Years’ War” was begun. It was the last great religious conflict between these two forces. The Catholics no longer sought to sustain their religion by force of arms, but by the power of wisdom, of constant vigilance, and the close application of its influence, it would conquer the world to an acknowledgment of its universal faith among all men. How wonderful have been its achievements when today we see this Church established in almost every city and hamlet in the civilized world! It is no longer a cry to arms, but an appeal to human nature. It is a diffusion of the Gospel of St. Peter in all the commercial interests of life. It is the acknowledgment of universal toleration, universal peace and good-will, and universal Christianity in the hearts of the people. It is no longer the jealousies of kings, princes, and potentates. It is the worship of God, the advancement of love and kindness, and the establishment of the teachings of Christ in all the nations of the earth.