The Spread of Christianity in Germany

By amanik
  • 100

    1st Century

    Christianity reaches the Roman provinces in what is now Germany, likely through trade routes and soldiers. But, this was not widespread
  • 400

    4th Century

    Gothic and other German groups converted to Arian Christianity, which believed that Jesus was created and not eternal. This created a unique German form of Christianity different from Roman Catholic beliefs.
  • 600

    6th Century

    St. Boniface brings Christianity to the Germanic tribes, like the Franks, Saxons, and Bavarians.
  • 800

    8th Century

    Charlemagne used Christianity to unite his empire so the Christian church became tied closely to German politics and German rulers later influenced church structures and authority.
  • 1000

    10th Century

    Christianity spreads further to Eastern German tribes (Slavs, Prussians) through missionaries and military orders.
  • 1200

    11th-13th Century

    The Catholic Church becomes more powerful in Germany, influencing laws, politics, and culture.
  • 1517

    15th Century (1517)

    Martin Luther posts the 95 Theses in Wittenberg and the Bible is translated in German, influencing the entire German language. Also new branches of Christianity, Lutheran and Reformed, emerge and Lutheran ideology then spreads worldwide.
  • 1530

    15th Century (1530)

    1530: Lutheranism is officially recognized in Germany with the Augsburg Confession.
  • 1555

    15th Century (1555)

    The Peace of Augsburg is established and says that German princes can choose Lutheranism or Catholicism for the regions, tying politics and religion closely together.

  • 16th Century (1618-1648)

    The thirty year war causes destruction in Germany, with battles between Catholics and Protestants. The Peace of Westphalia gave both groups freedom.

  • 18th Century

    The Enlightenment questions the power of the Church, promoting reason and science.

  • 18th Century (1817)

    The Prussian Union combines Lutheran and Reformed churches into one church in Prussia.

  • 19th Century

    Christianity’s influence in Germany weakens due to the rise of secularism (non religious things)

  • 20th Century

    Christianity faces challenges from communism in East Germany and more secular ideas in both East and West.

  • 21st Century (Modern Era)

    Fewer people attend church, and there is more religious diversity, including growing Muslim communities in Germany. Secularization continues, but Christianity remains important in culture.