Introduction
Throughout the years, the Catholic Church accumulated power and thus it became a prominent and potent figure in the 16th century. It didn’t just occupy itself with religious matters, but it also made its presence felt in the fields of politics and economics. Consequently, controversies about the extent of the Church’s occupations in daily life became more and more common. Some people were sceptical about preachers, as some popes were promoting the idea of sustaining the church financially in return of salvation. Was nobody going to say how the Church was shifting away from its very basic principles? Everyone was witnessing the corruption, but it was just a matter of time until someone made their voice heard.
Martin Luther
One of the most prominent and most influential figures in the 16th century, Martin Luther was a German theologian and priest, who openly expressed his disapproval with the Church’s practices. In the beginning of the 16th century, Martin Luther made it clear that the Church needed to change its ways, as they drifted apart from their main purposes. The construction of the Saint Peter Basilica in Rome required lots of money and in this sense, popes called for measures, through which they would raise funds. These included indulgences, which some popes like Johann Tetzel promoted quite persuasively. He claimed that financially supporting the church could ensure entering heaven, without having to pass through purgatory.
The Ninety-Five Theses
These affirmations made Luther write the Ninety-Five Theses, in which he addressed the controversy surrounding the topic, destroying the benefits claimed by popes by purchasing indulgences. He stated firmly that the popes were lying and that he was concerned about the problems people would face if the practices were to continue. Moreover, it is believed that he put his writings up on the door of the Castle Church. Luther gave some friends this document, which quickly gained popularity in the western part of Europe, one main contributing factor being the printing press.
Expectedly, Luther quickly caught the eyes of officials and was threatened to stop his activity. However, he pursued his scope and thus was excommunicated by the pope.
The Protestant Reformation in Europe
The Reformation spread quickly throughout the western part of Europe. Other notable figures for this movement are John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli and Henry VIII.
Conclusion
Through the Protestant Reformation, people expressed their dissatisfaction with the church’s practices, which led to a rupture from the Catholic Church. Thus, people recognized the need for change. Consequently more religious movements emerged.
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