Western Christianity In 16th Century Europe

Today, western Christianity is comprised of a myriad of denominations largely born out of the Protestant Reformation that took place in 16th century Europe. Spearheaded by German scholar, Martin Luther, the Reformation began in an effort to reform corruption within the Catholic Church and soon spiraled into a religious revolution. Social and economic strife as well as vast advances in literacy and a growing sense of nationalism cultivated European life to be a breeding ground for dissent. Innovations such as the printing press allowed Protestant media to quickly reach a wide variety of citizens and spread the message of rebellion. From peasant to nobility, the reformation sought a universal appeal through the growing bitterness towards the Catholic Church. As taxes and merchandise goods increased many Europeans were united in the sense of injustice about watching wealth leave their territory in the hands of the Catholic Church. Papal laws regarding holiness and the selling of indulgences appeared to benefit …show more content…
Often motivated by political factors, nobility resented the Church's encroaching laws and governance over their territory. Protestantism created the opportunity to distance themselves from the Church and no longer be overshadowed by religious authority. Hymns written Martin Luther such as A Mighty Fortress used powerful military imagery that would have appealed to this class who were primarily responsible for protecting their realm. Boastful and inspiring verses such as, “We tremble not, unmoved we stand; They cannot overpow'r us, Let this world's tyrant rage; In battle we'll engage!” rallied nobility to take back power from the oppressive