CAUSES OF THE REFORMATION

Reformation was a religious movement of the 1500s that led to Protestantism. It had a tremendous impact on social, political and economic life and its influences are still felt today. The movement started in 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk, protested certain practices of the Roman Catholic Church. The movement divided the medieval Christians into two groups – Roman Catholics and Protestants.

 

Religious causes

a.     Interference of the pope in political matters – During the early Middle Ages, missionaries had converted the people of Europe to Christianity. The Pope gradually assumed greater importance and authority in the church and in relation to secular rulers.

b.     Moral decline of the church – Popes and higher clergy lived like secular princes. They built lavish palaces and indulged in corrupt financial practices. The religious life of the church suffered. There was too much worldliness in Rome

c.      Indulgences – the church had developed indulgences as a means of pardoning sinners from (part of the penalty) for their sins. The practice of selling indulgences was abused as a means of raising money.

Luther believed that indulgences degraded the forgiving grace of god and weakened the Church itself.

 

Cultural causes

The interest in Ancient Civilizations encouraged by the Renaissance had an impact on religion. The study of Hebrew and Greek enabled scholars to read the Scriptures and study Church History.

The invention of Movable type (printing press) in mid 1400s allowed quick broadcasting of ideas, rise in nationalistic fervor, increasing the availability of the Bible to the public and popular discontent at the moral corruption in the church.

 

Political causes

The Catholic Church (early 16^th century) had not only been a religious body, but also a political power. The clergy claimed immunity from civil duties. The church levied taxes on its subjects without interference by the state. By the 16^th century the kings increased power over their own people and against the Pope. Some people regarded the Pope as a political leader of a foreign state and opposed his control and influence in their own country.

 

Economic causes

During the middle ages, Europe had an agricultural economy. Most people were peasants. But as cities began to increase, merchants traded goods for raw materials. As cities grew rich and independent they threw off the control of local lords and princes – bishops and turned to the king or emperor for protection.

 

Martin Luther did not like the Popes idea of indulgences. He believed that Christianity was following and practicing the teachings of Christ. He published 95 thesis in which he expressed his views. He pasted his thesis on the doors of the Wittenberg church in Germany. The pope arrested Luther and excommunicated him. (Many people began to follow Luther and his teachings.)