There are majorly three reason that should be mentioned in accounting for the formation of the Reformation, including culture, politics and economy.
With the coming of the Renaissance, ideas about humanism, individualism, and equality had already seeded within some people’s mind, those people were just waiting for the atmosphere and powerful reasons to start the Reformation.
Politically, through 14th century, many churches of Europe encounter with the problem of losing power. As an example, Louis of Bavaria, who invaded Italy and was declared Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by the Romans, insisted that his power was God granted and did not need papal approval. Also, the coming of the Black Death also shaken the status of Church.
Besides political reason, which provide the atmosphere for the Reformation, problems about economy within the churches triggered the Reformation more directly. Although losing power in politics, churches is still powerful and profitable economically. The problem mainly came from two economic activities, the sale …show more content…
Martin Luther, who is the most significant reformer of the time, came up with controversial theories to the churches’. His ideas include that salvation came from faith only and no indulgences could wash away sins (sola fide), and that the Bible was the only authority and the only path toward salvation (sola scriptura), and that priests were no more qualified to interpret the Bible and we were all allowed to read it. Such ideas inspired other thinkers and promoted the Counter Reformation —Reformation inside the church-- in some sense. Furthermore, Martin Luther and his supporters’ ideas would eventually lead to change inside the church. Such impacts were religious. Under the pressure of Reformation, the Council of Trent was called between 1545 and 1563. As a result of the council, indulgences and church offices were no longer be able to be sold, cutting the profit of the