Protestant Reformation

Protestant Reformation

The Protestant Reformation was a major 16th century European movement aimed initially at reforming the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Its religious aspects were supplemented by ambitious political rulers who wanted to extend their power and control at the expense of the Church. The reformation ended the unity imposed by medieval Christianity and, in the eyes of many, signaled the beginning of the modern era.

Origins

The origins of the Protestant Reformation can be traced back to the 14th century through individuals such as John Wycliffe and Jan Hus, who were precursors to the movement. However, the Reformation is generally understood to have begun in 1517 when Martin Luther published his Ninety-Five Theses as a reaction against abuses in the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church, which purported to offer remission of sin to their purchasers.

Spread of Protestantism

The Reformation movement within Germany diversified almost immediately, and other reform impulses arose independently of Luther. The largest groups were the Lutherans and Calvinists. Lutheran churches were founded mostly in Germany, the Baltics and Scandinavia, while the Reformed ones were founded in Switzerland, Hungary, France, the Netherlands and Scotland.

Impact

The Reformation had a profound impact on the unity of Europe and led to the establishment of Protestantism as a major branch of Christianity, alongside Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. It also led to the Catholic Counter-Reformation, a period of Catholic resurgence initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation.

See also

• Martin Luther
• Ninety-Five Theses
• Catholic Counter-Reformation
• John Calvin
• Huldrych Zwingli

External links

• Martin Luther - Theology of the Reformation
• The Reformation Online

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