The terms 'Catholic' and 'Protestant' must be seen in the context of the 'reformation' of the Church in the 16th century.
Perceived weaknesses in the 'Catholic' (i.e. 'one,' 'universal') Church:
- Divisions in power: Competing Popes claiming authority, especially from Rome and Avignon.
- Power of the Church: The church was a military power and also controlled universities and 'truth.' Laity were discouraged from reading scriptures.
- Increasing emphasis on ritualism (works) as a path to salvation: Specifically focussing on pilgrimages, the veneration of Saints and Masses for the dead.
- Corruption within the Church: Indulgences - buying certificates to shorten ones time in purgatory.
Against this background reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin asserted beliefs such as:
- Translation of the Scriptures into the vernacular so that all might read and learn from it.
- Justification by faith and not works.
- Rejection of many liturgical rituals as meaningless and misleading.
- 'Sola Scriptura' - the only things which can be proven through Scripture can be taught by the Church as necessary for salvation.
Though this 'reformation' originally started as attempts to 'reform' the Church, reformers were eventually excommunicated and formed their own churches in protest...'Protestant' Churches.
The Anglican Church was formed within this environment.
