Protestant Reformation in Denmark

Overview

The Protestant Reformation in Denmark was a religious transition from the Roman Catholic ideals to Lutheranism. The Protestant Reformation began in the 1500s after Martin Luther introduced his book on Catholic procedures in the church, otherwise known as the “95 Theses.” Although the reformation had resistance from multiple people including King Christian II, its ideals still spread throughout the country.

After 1536, and the completion of the Count’s War, Lutheranism was finally accepted and spread as the main religion throughout Denmark. The Catholic Church suffered as the removal of priests, bishops, and nuns was imminent. Lutheran churches were established in not only Denmark, but also other close countries including Iceland.

The Ideas

Hans Tausen was one of the first monks to practice Lutheranism in Viborg. The ideals of Martin Luther had Germanic roots, and were picked up by Tausen. Tausen was originally outspoken as someone to be fought against by the King and people, but later the King had pardoned him. Before his pardoning, the King issued citizens to attack any Lutheran churches or monasteries. He also banished Tausen from New Zealand. His protection after the new King’s realization and his return was a main point in the history and progression of Lutheranism.

Christian III

In 1534, Jorgon Kock refused to expel the Lutherans under the order of the Catholic Bishop of Lund. Soon after, the Count’s Feud erupted, which was was a civil war between the people, with an overall goal of restoring the rightful king over the Catholic Church. Count Christopher, whom the war was named after, sought out to regain control of Denmark after it was taken over by the Catholic Church. With his followers, he conquered and gained control of many territories in the East Belt of Denmark.

Soon after the entry of Count Christopher, the Catholic Bishops were arrested. The election of Christian III, as king, was the turning point in the civil war. Christian III believed in taking all the possessions of the bishops and giving them back to the people while carrying out the reformation. Although the implementation of the reformation in Denmark was a success, it was not the first. Christian III was successful in three other territories before Denmark.

In 1550, the Christian III Bible became a part of history, which was created as a translation of the Lutheran Bible for the King as a thank you for all of his efforts in the reformation.