Question

What is meant by the Reformation? How did the practices of the Catholic Church impact the movement?

Answer 1

Instructions:First, start with explaining the meaning of the Reformation movement, Give the definition and then explain why it took place in the first place.
Second, go through the corruption point, and control the feudal system.
Then there is the point of power struggle and end with controlling the masses through control over religious language and rituals.


Solution: Reformation refers to a group of religious movements that broke out in Mediaeval Europe against the corrupt practices of the church. ​

During the Middle ages, the church had grown absolute in power. They dictated all terms of the daily lives of people. The church was at the heart of the medieval feudal system and accumulated vast sums of money and land over time. ​

As a result of the wealth it gained, the church also became corrupt. Church authorities often sold Simony and letters of indulgences to the highest bidders and wealthy members of the society in lieu of money or land. ​

The rulers also felt the burden of a powerful church as the clergy refused to pay taxes, because of which common people had to pay additional taxes. ​

As a result of all these issues the people launched the Reformation movement that aimed at ending the corrupt practices of the church, by challenging the power of the church. ​

By the 16th Century CE the church was divided into the Catholics and Protestants.