The Reformation was a turning point in history. Studying the development of the reformation helps us to understand why different religions emerged. "The Reformation of the sixteenth century is, next to the introduction of Christianity, the greatest event in history. It marks the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of modern times. Starting from religion, it gave, directly or indirectly, a mighty impulse to every forward movement, and made Protestantism the chief propelling force in the history of modern civilization” (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church).
Once religious unity was destroyed, people began to think in terms of their own interests. As a result of the diversity in those interests, there was a shift in political, social, and economic beliefs. At the end of the 16th century, the Catholic church was able to restore half of the people's faith that was lost to Protestantism. However, the division in Europe between the two forms of Christianity still remains today.
Since the Roman Church controlled everything, the Reformation had to include political and economic elements. If Protestants were to survive, they had to have political and economic power to fight against Rome. The movement didn't just spread from person to person, the spread was from country to country. Some rulers used the Reformation for their own greed, but many came from a deep religious conviction of serving the one true God through Christ.
Modern history can not be understood apart from the Reformation. Learning history about Europe, England or America goes hand in hand. For example, in America there would have never been Pilgrim Fathers if there had not first been a Protestant Reformation.
The Reformation laid down the right and obligation of the individual conscience. When we speak of liberty, we should remember without the Reformation, there would not be liberty.
References
http://www.thirdmill.org/files/english/html/ch/CH.Arnold.RMT.2.html
Once religious unity was destroyed, people began to think in terms of their own interests. As a result of the diversity in those interests, there was a shift in political, social, and economic beliefs. At the end of the 16th century, the Catholic church was able to restore half of the people's faith that was lost to Protestantism. However, the division in Europe between the two forms of Christianity still remains today.
Since the Roman Church controlled everything, the Reformation had to include political and economic elements. If Protestants were to survive, they had to have political and economic power to fight against Rome. The movement didn't just spread from person to person, the spread was from country to country. Some rulers used the Reformation for their own greed, but many came from a deep religious conviction of serving the one true God through Christ.
Modern history can not be understood apart from the Reformation. Learning history about Europe, England or America goes hand in hand. For example, in America there would have never been Pilgrim Fathers if there had not first been a Protestant Reformation.
The Reformation laid down the right and obligation of the individual conscience. When we speak of liberty, we should remember without the Reformation, there would not be liberty.
References
http://www.thirdmill.org/files/english/html/ch/CH.Arnold.RMT.2.html