The reformation essays

The reformation essays The reformation period was one of the most significant events in modern european history because it was the spark that would eventually smother the fiery dominance of religious leaders in politics and would incite a modern world where the most advanced societies now embrace a division of church and state and a tolerance to freedom of worship. Through the acts of revolting peasants and the minds of a new set of leaders such as Martin Luther, Queen Elizabeth and Popes Paul III practice would be born. Much of what we experience today in the most modern societies in our religious and political freedoms is a result of this most significant time in history. Indeed, if the events did not take place, what we now consider modern society may have looked completely different. Martin Luther, although only a monk, is credited with starting the Reformation by challenging the affairs of the church. Luther had been appalled by the selling of indulgences and engendered the 95 thesis, upsetting Johann Tetzel by posting it on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg. Word spread quickly about Luthers revolutionary ideas which instigated people to question church authority. This lack of confidence in the ways of the church led to a new autonomy in pedestrian thinking and helped to create a downfall in absolute power in the Catholic Church. Without this epiphany by the people of Europe, brought upon by Luther, the Church may have continued to monopolize European thought and politics. Queen Elizabeth, Henry Vllls third child to rule England, shaped religious thinking and its relationship to political power like no woman had done before. By promoting concessions that would lead to a uniting of Protestantism and Catholicism under one Church she created religious peace and reduced the power of a single dominating religi...