The spread of Protestantism has been debated issue among historians, who are septic about its vast stretch among people they are curious about whether it was just the role of preaching and press or the reaction and commendation of the Catholic Church led to widespread of Protestantism to masses. Religion was a major subject of controversy within the 16th century, with Protestantism seen as a revolution and spreading across Europe through print and preach; it led to the end, to a certain extent of the Pope's supremacy and led to the establishment of the Protestant churches. Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther was divisive as Luther was defining the authority of the church and his writing suggested that Roman Catholic Church was corrupt and that it was in need for reform. Religion was the main subject of Luther's ideas and teachings, his views were formed upon the indulgence being sold; people were able to denounce their sins with a word from the Pope. These were not cheap and not available to many save the rich who could afford them. This did not please many, believing it was unfair that they would have to spend more time in purgatory just for being poor. Luther saw 'selling of forgiveness' immoral, his belief was reformation was also practically needed in the language of the Bible, as it was produced in Latin and most people couldn't read it. The ideas behind the Protestant Reformation were simple, however, the demand for the Church in need of changed, or reform to become less greedy, fairer and accessible to all people, were seen as dangerous and challenging the Church's authority which had be done before, but unsuccessfully. Luther's ideas represented the changed people wanted so the church felt threatened and challenged, by someone so willing to stand for the cause, and with people's support. The church did attempt to quell Luther, but instead of doing so, only managed to... [continues]
Cite This Essay
- APA
-
(2012, 01). “Did Print or Preaching Play a Greater Role in the Spread of Protestant Ideas?”. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 01, 2012, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Did-Print-Or-Preaching-Play-A-887611.html
- MLA
-
"“Did Print or Preaching Play a Greater Role in the Spread of Protestant Ideas?”" StudyMode.com. 01 2012. 01 2012 <http://www.studymode.com/essays/Did-Print-Or-Preaching-Play-A-887611.html>.
- CHICAGO
-
"“Did Print or Preaching Play a Greater Role in the Spread of Protestant Ideas?”." StudyMode.com. 01, 2012. Accessed 01, 2012. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Did-Print-Or-Preaching-Play-A-887611.html.