reformation
The Reformation in Europe led to a new social and political way of life and helped to further propel European society into the modern age. It was yet another movement that began to alter people's perception of the Roman Catholic Church. The Reformation was a more religious movement in its nature then the Renaissance had been. Although the Reformation had its beginning roots buried deep within the twelfth through the fourteenth centuries, it did not hit society full blast until the sixteenth century with the movements of outspoken reformers such as, Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Calvin. The Reformation was a movement that called for a complete revamp of the Roman Catholic Church. However, in actuality, it not only revamped the existing church, but also split Christianity into separate distinct groups that had their base in Christian faith but differed in their views on the many ways faith was proclaimed. The reformation had cost Europeans their sense of themselves as part of a universal church, but it confirmed the importance of Christianity.To begin, Martin Luther, a German Monk, recognized and vocalized the opinions many people had on the papacy's abuse of power. Religion had strayed from the spiritual and pro
Political life now demanded more separation of church and state and was now on a road to a more democratic time strengthening many democratic movements. The Reformation promoted the development of capitalism and strongly encouraged mass literacy development. They basically tried to weed out their own corruption. ceeded toward greed and internal corruption. Luther wanted a national, rather than Roman, control of church finances. Common people perceived the Reformation as a means to gain social empowerment, empowerment not only spiritually, but secularly as well. Protestant reformers took a positive stand on clerical marriages and stressed the sacredness of home and family life. The Peace of Augsburg in 1555 temporarily reconciled the Protestant north and Catholic south and the conflict moved west into the monarchies of Spain and France. To reflect back and think of a single Roman Catholic Church, with its fingers on all aspects of society and spiritual choice is absurd. The Protestant theology altered people's thoughts on politics, marriage, family life, education, and woman's roles. The Protestant reformers rejected the use of visual arts in the church. Through the invention of the printing press written word could be duplicated very easily and spread throughout Germany and the rest of the continent adding fuel to the fire. Windows were broken, statues of saints were destroyed and pipe organs were removed from churches. Luther saw the injustice in this and took action. It was through the efforts of the few that the many can enjoy a more opportunistic and life of free choice.
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