Protestantism

The Reformation's return to Scripture and grace, splintering into a thousand streams.

Reformation, 1517 CE → · Worldwide · Abrahamic

Protestantism began when reformers led by Martin Luther broke with Rome over authority and salvation, insisting on Scripture alone, faith alone, and grace alone, and the priesthood of all believers. It fragmented into Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, and countless other traditions, reshaping Europe and, through missions, the global religious landscape.

Key figures

• Martin Luther
• John Calvin
• Countless reformers

Texts

• The Bible (sola scriptura)

Beliefs

• Scripture alone as authority
• Salvation by grace through faith
• The priesthood of all believers

Rituals

• Preaching-centered worship
• Baptism and communion
• Personal Bible reading

Grew from

• Roman Catholicism

Connections in the atlas

• John Calvin
• Borgvattnet vicarage
• Reginald Scot’s The Discoverie of Witchcraft
• The afflicted girls of Salem
• Westminster Abbey
• The Underground Railroad
• Eye of Providence (and the eye over the pyramid)
• The Hungarians (Magyars)
• Medieval and Renaissance European astrology
• Sacred meals (ritual)
• ▶ The Reformation and after
• Monotheism