THE SOCIAL EFFECTS OF THE REFORMATION

The Social Effects of the Reformation

Introduction

The reformation was a major turning point in the history affecting various walks of life. Led by Martin Luther and John Calvin, the Reformation in the early years of the 16th century was basically aimed at correcting the wrongs of the Catholic Church but its effects can be seen much beyond that. Although the Reformation is considered to be a religious reaction against corruption and abuse within the Catholic Church, it brought significant changes in the European society including those in education, role of local governments and townspeople while its effects can also be seen on the political and economic institutions as well.

Discussion

Causes of the Reformation

The Roman Catholic Church was a dominating influence for the religious life of the people especially in Northern and Western Europe. However, the Church was criticized for its practices and the leaders of the Church were considered to be more interested in worldly gains such as that of power and wealth rather than in religion and spiritual practices. Although some reforms were seen in the Middle Ages, criticism continued at various levels over various practices. By the start of the 16th century, there were many forces that weakened the authority of the Church. The printing press was instrumental in this direction and the political power of the Church was challenged.

Criticism leveled against the Church was based on corruption and it was stated that the leaders were corrupt and that popes in those times patronized the arts and spend huge sums of money on personal pleasures. The values of humanism and secularism in the Renaissance era made people ponder over the practices of the Church while the printing press stimulated these values thereby leading to Reformation. Monarchs challenged the Church's authoritative position and power that Church held in Europe and also regarded Pope as a foreign ruler thereby challenging the authority that he held. The wealth that the Church possessed was also a factor that made European Monarchs jealous while people also resented paying taxes to the Church. All these social, political, economic and religious causes combined to bring the Reformation.

Beginning of the Reformation

The Reformation began in 1517, the day Martin Luther nailed his ninety five theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Though he was not the first one to challenge and attack on the abuses of the Catholic Church, he was the first one to have such a great influence at such a vast level. Martin Luther, a German monk is credited for beginning the Reformation when he took a public stand against the actions of a friar named Johann Tetzel. The said religious leader was collecting money for the rebuilding of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and was found to be selling indulgences and in this manner gave people the notion that by buying indulgences, they could buy their way to heaven.

Like many others Luther was also troubled by the actions of Tetzel and in such ...