Martin Luther: The Cause Of The Protestant Reformation

Martin Luther, a German Philosopher during the Protestant Reformation said, “People must have righteous principles in the first, and then they will not fail to perform virtuous actions”. The cause of the Protestant Reformation was the widespread corruption of the Catholic Church. The Protestant Reformation impacted European Countries because it challenged authority of the Pope during the 15th century and put an end to religious unity. There were key religious figures during this time that provided legitimate proof as to why these corrupt Catholic teachings were wrong.
During the 16th century between 1517-1548 was a time of religious and political upheaval that divided European Countries and their religious beliefs. During this time Pope Leo …show more content…
Calvinism was an added branch off of Catholicism. His teachings included new ideas, revised ideas and left out the corrupt teachings of the Catholic Church during the 15th century.
The selling of indulgences, which was the main problem that caused the Protestant Reformation, was intentional. By intentional they mean that Pope Leo X understood that the selling of indulgences didn’t actually get you into heaven. Pope Leo X convinced his followers for this in order to gain profit he needed. When you paid and indulgence you did it with the intention to be freed of your sin, but really your money was contributing to the construction of St. …show more content…
Since the 95 Theses specifically called out the Pope as well as Christians that believed in the selling of indulgences it caused people to turn against the Pope. One of the 95 Theses written by Martin Luther stated, “Those who believe that, through letters of pardon [indulgences], they are made sure of their salvation, will be eternally damned along with their teachers.” People during these times believed anyone with power very easily, especially a religious figure, the Pope selling of indulgences caused Catholic followers to think buying indulgences was a taught duty which is why they didn’t see anything wrong with it. In Luther 's 95 Theses he corrected the Pope by saying, “ 62. The true treasure of the Church is the Holy Gospel of the glory and grace of God.” So not only did Martin Luther explain what was wrong with the Pope’s teachings he explained what was supposed to be happening. Before trying to justify the selling of indulgences Martin Luther he tried to find any scriptural evidence that suggested the selling of indulgences is what God had intended to be the payment for salvation. In questioning the authority of the Pope and his teachings it caused people to question the amount of power he actually had. Not only was this a problem for European Countries but it was also gave the Catholic Church a bad