The Protestant Reformation free essay sample

The Protestant Reformation. The Protestant Reformation was not only a pivotal time in European history, but in world history as well. It was time of immense economic, political, and social change. The most well-known religious reformer of the time was Martin Luther, who famously nailed his list of 95 grievances to the church door in Wittenberg. Though initially intended only as a means to invite theological discussion, this simple act would spark perhaps the greatest religious movement in history. As the corruption of the Catholic Church rose, thousands would flock to the new Protestant religions, both for spiritual motivations and secular greed, sending all of Europe into an era of religious upheaval. Although this disruption triggered wars and persecutions, it contributed huge impacts to our society which shaped the modern democratic world today. The massive turmoil that the Reformation caused had a lasting impact on European politics. Soon after the Catholic Church deemed Martin Luther a protestant, Europe became divided along confessional, as well as territorial, lines. We will write a custom essay sample on The Protestant Reformation or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The religious turmoil f the period led to warfare within most states and between many. This warfare, especially the Thirty Years War from 1618 to 1648, decimated Europe. It was clear not only to Europe, but to Luther that The Catholic Church was the cause of the Protestant Movement through their error and misuse of the truth and power. The years leading up to the Protestant Reformation were plagued by moral corruption and abuse of position in the Holy Church. The priesthood was guilty of several abuses of privilege responsibility and the Popes would rule for power, money politics. Churches would also grant indulgences as a guaranteed path to heaven. Thanks to Luther-who tacked up his Thesis- and to the Reformation, the sale of indulgences eventually ended.. As everything was evolving in this period, many kingdoms stopped paying taxes to the Pope. For example, As Henry the 8th made England a Protestant nation, he became opposed to paying anything to the Catholics. Due to all these complications, The Pope began to lose power. He no longer had the ability to interfere in the affairs of nations, establish any boundaries or even end a war. One of the biggest changes during the Reform affected not only the oldern society, ut our modern one as well. Something exciting was lurking about; Protestantism. It was the Reformation that forced people to make a choice to be Catholic or Protestant. This was an important choice, and a choice had to be made. Some people still maintained allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church but many, if not all adopted to the new form of Christianity†that did not recognize the authority of the Pope. Europe was quickly dominated by this new trend; as it promised much that society didnt have- with the help of those handy theses of course. For one, no longer was it eeded to visit priests and churches to gain a spiritual connection with God, for faith was the only guidance required. New churches were built, as well as the creation of The Bible tor all Protestants, by Luther. However, one ot the biggest changes to society were the translations of the Bible to vernaculars, and thus bringing the Word of God to the people. (The press influenced this as well) They for once, could understand what they were told to believe in by the Catholic Church. It was the Holy Roman Empire in political control, various city-states with enormous power and factions wing with factions for control of property.