Martin Luther and the Lutheran Reformation
I can explain how Martin Luther began the Reformation.
Martin Luther and the Lutheran Reformation
I can explain how Martin Luther began the Reformation.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 1517 Martin Luther questioned the teachings of the Catholic Church in his '95 Theses'.
- Luther challenged Church practices that did not appear in the Bible, such as indulgences.
- Luther's ideas challenged the power of the Church, leading to him being accused of heresy and being excommunicated.
- Henry VIII defended the pope in 1521 'Defence of the Seven Sacraments'.
- Luther's ideas led to widespread religious and political reform over the next few centuries.
Keywords
Indulgence - something medieval Christians could buy from the Church in the belief that it would reduce their time in Purgatory
Church - the organisation of the Christian religion
Excommunicated - to be banned from Church services and the community
Reformation - a 16th century movement calling for the reform of the Church
Common misconception
A single person cannot shape history by themselves.
The Great Man Theory in History - the idea that a single person is responsible for important events - is somewhat outdated, but occasionally, as is the case with Martin Luther, an argument can be made that individuals can radically shape events.
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: Martin Luther and the Lutheran Reformation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: Martin Luther and the Lutheran Reformation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Henry VIII and the Reformation: how unusual was the English Reformation? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
something Christians could buy to reduce their time in Purgatory
the organisation of the Christian religion
to be banned from Church services and the community
a 16th century movement calling for the reform of the Church