Protestantism originated as a 16th century reform movement aiming to return to the essence of the New Testament. Its goal was for the church’s teaching and practice to be based on the bible alone.
The first pages of Martin Luther’s 95 theses, printed in Basel Germany in 1517.
John Wycliffe (1330-1384), John Huss (1369-1415) gibi teolog ve din adamları Kilise içerisinde ki yanlışlara dikkat çekmek isteyen kişiler ve hareketler olduysa da 1517’de Martin Luther’in Wittenberg’deki kilisenin kapısına 95 Tez’i çakmasıyla Reform hareketi ve Protestanlık (Protesto etmesinden gelir) fitili ateşlenmiştir.
Even though certain theologians and church leaders like John Wycliffe (1330-1384) and John Huss (1369-1415) had attempted to bring attention to the problems in the church and correct them before, it was when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg that the reform was started and the fire of protestantism was ignited.
To summarize the teachings and doctrines that resulted from the thorough studies of the reformers:
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The authority of the bible: The bible (Old and New Testaments) is the word of God and our only authority for faith and practice. Church in Wittenberg that the reform was started and the fire of protestantism was ignited.
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Worship and the church: A church is not a building. Rather it is the community of believers. Believers worship both personally and in community. The goal of worship is a personal relationship with God. With this aim we sing hymns and pray personally and in community.
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The salvation of mankind: People can only receive eternal life through grace by faith in Christ. Jesus’ death on the cross provides atonement for all those who believe in His name. A person’s good works and religious deeds are not sufficient to receive eternal life.
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Hierarchy and clergy: In protestant churches the office of pastor is treated with more equality. The servants of the church have spiritual responsibility and authority but this authority is used to serve the church. Protestant churches are not bound to any central authority. Jesus is the head of the church and its only authority. Pastors are chosen by the congregation through the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The following teachings were foundational for the reformation: “Sola Scriptura” (scripture alone), “Sola Fide” (faith alone), “Sola Gratia” (grace alone), “Solus Christus” (Christ alone), ve “Soli Deo Gloria” (to the glory of God alone)