How 16th-Century Protestant Rebels Mirror Today’s Violent Extremists
A new analysis draws striking parallels between today’s Islamic extremism and the violent upheavals of 16th-century Protestant reformation. Sarah Chayes, author of Thieves of State, highlights shared language and motivations between terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and IS and early Protestant insurgents. Both movements framed their violence as a morality crusade against corruption and tyranny.
In the 1560s, Protestant extremists attacked Catholic churches across Europe. They smashed religious symbols, condemning them as signs of wealth and moral decay. These acts would now be labelled violent religious extremism. Their fury mirrored today’s Islamic militants, who target kleptocratic rulers and Western powers supporting them.
Martin Luther’s 1517 challenge to papal authority marked the start of a broader rebellion. He argued that faith in God, not obedience to popes or kings, defined true morality. This defiance spread, leading to open conflict. In England, the civil war culminated in King Charles I’s execution in 1649, ending his claim to absolute power.
The divine right of kings—placing monarchs above criticism—faced growing resistance. The Dutch formally broke from Spain in 1581, rejecting Philip II’s rule. His brutal repression of Protestants through the Spanish Inquisition only fuelled rebellion. Meanwhile, William of Orange insisted his authority came from God alone, a claim later used to justify his own power.
Chayes’ work suggests a recurring pattern: when political systems remain corrupt and undemocratic, moral outrage often turns violent. The parallels between early Protestant extremists and modern jihadists reveal how grievances over tyranny and foreign interference persist. Without reform, history indicates such conflicts will continue to erupt.
