THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION What do you know about the Protestant Reformation? After the Renaissance, there was a change in thought throughout Europe. The Catholic Church was having financial problems and its role with several Kings and governments had changed; it was claimed that the Church had too much influence, and that clergy members were receiving indulgences or gifts in exchange for important Church Sacraments, such as forgiveness of sins. One man, Martin Luther, challenged the Church and their actions. Martin Luther, his ideas, and new religion, the Lutheran church, were soon outlawed, but this did not stop his beliefs from influencing others. His translation of the Bible made it easier for people to read and understand. Soon, a number of countries had leaders in the Protestant Reformation. Eventually, the Catholic Church changed in response to the Reformation. The Protestant Reformation spread to many parts of Europe, taking on different names and inspiring many different schools of thought. The Reformation questioned the role of the Catholic Church, which has been connected to and used by several monarchies in Europe. Changes in view of the church’s role in turn sparked changes in the political, economical, and social structure of Europe at the time. Out of the Reformation, many new religions arose, including Lutheran, Episcopalian, and Methodist, which are still practiced today. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.