The Reformation Dbq Essay

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Although the Reformation is often viewed as a religious movement, it also significantly affected the political and social spheres of Europe. Obviously, this statement is true. The Reformation was a time where a multitude of denominations of Christianity. This movement resulted into an expanded literary way and religious freedom granted by the government. At the time, the Church owned almost one third of Europe’s land, which already gives us information on who controlled the economy and political force. The Kings of Europe were all controlled by the Pope / the Holy Roman successor. Martin Luther was the man that initiated and shaped the Reformation because of his focus of the Church’s corruption. This corruption of the humanist Church’s power …show more content…
He believed “The just shall live by faith.” The new interpretation of only faith caused conflict with Johann Tetzel that sold indulgences. These indulgences were basically donations to the church that also washed away the sin and would reduce a sinner’s time in hell. Luther of course defended the people with this false hope by writing the “95 Theses” on October, 1517. Document 2 states exactly where he calls out the Church for nonsense on the indulgences. Public refute, which is where the social aspect comes in, first appears in document 1. Martin Luther defends the poor, who do not have the money to pay for their sins. He warns them for possible rebellion among the poor who they diminished and shamed for not being able to pay for their filthy scam. Because of them, the poor was not able to practice the religion they wished. Document 6 continues this idea with proof and or what they are doing to revolt against the Church. Martin Luther tires his best for the Church to acknowledge its mistake. Martin is religious, but does not stand by the Church, but rather the bible as stated in document 8. Document 10 also supports the fact that the politics are getting more and more involved with the Church. Niccolo Machiavelli’s citation included a method of ruling the country in The Prince because he believed that the end always justified the means and that they should keep the

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