Rare Documents

Reformation

The Reformation, traditionally described as having been begun by Martin Luther in 1517, was the movement which gave rise to Protestant churches and the decline of the power of Roman Catholicism. The Reformation sought to "reform" Christianity by returning it to original beliefs based solely on reference to the Bible, eliminating later additions which accumulated in tradition.

The term "Reformation" is deceptive, but it is not one which can be dispensed with. There were reform movements and ideas long before Martin Luther appeared on the scene, and the concepts of reform and renewal certainly existed as part of church beliefs and tradition. Indeed, Martin Luther was not aware that he had started anything which should be labeled the Reformation or a new religious tradition.

The causes of the Reformation cannot be located in any one event or in any one aspect of medieval society. It wasn't just a matter of religion or politics or social discontent. It was, rather, a combination of all of these things - it was a problem which extended through all aspects of society and how people lived. There was dissatisfaction, discontent and malaise everywhere.

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