Reformation

The Reformation refers to a significant religious movement in the 16th century that aimed to reform the practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. It began in 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, posted his Ninety-Five Theses, which criticized the Church’s practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. The movement sought to address issues of corruption, theological disagreements, and the authority of the Pope.

The Reformation led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Anglicanism, as groups broke away from the Catholic Church to form their own beliefs and practices. The movement emphasized principles such as justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture over Church tradition, and the priesthood of all believers.

Significantly, the Reformation spurred profound social, political, and cultural changes across Europe, diminishing the power of the Catholic Church, fostering the rise of individualism, and encouraging religious pluralism. Its effects were felt well beyond religion, influencing art, education, and relationships between church and state. The Reformation ultimately transformed the religious landscape of Europe and set the stage for the modern era.