Reformation and its social and political context in 16th-century Europe

Introduction

The Protestant reformation was a large event of 16th century. This movement at first aimed at reforming the beliefs and practices of Roman Catholic Church. The religious aspects comprised of those politicians who wanted to extend their control and power at the expense of the church. When the reformation ended it signaled the beginning of the modern era. There had been many reforming efforts in the Catholic Church. Those comprised of powerless church council. In North Europe, there was the emergence of a determined middle class and new cities (Bagchi and David, pp. 289).

Social & Political context

The thought and work of Martin Luther is a part of the great religious movement of the early sixteenth century called the Protestant Reformation, which ended the ecclesiastical supremacy, religious and political life of the Church of Rome in Europe by creating Protestant churches of different denominations. Although the Reformation, was essentially a religious movement produced significant changes in almost all aspects of social, economic and political, with great impact on the modern history of the Western world (Grane, pp. 78-90). There were many social causes of the great religious revolt of the sixteenth century must be far back as the fourteenth century. The doctrine of the Church remained pure and holy lives were still common in all parts of Europe, and the many medieval institutions continued to benefit the Church without interruption (Magocsi, 134-190). Unfortunate conditions that existed were largely due to civil and secular influences, or the exercise of spiritual authority in civilian spheres. These were not of the same intensity in all places, not always occurring simultaneously in the same country. The church and religious life in various places showed vigor and variety abound education and charity works (Smith, pp. 305-609). Politically, the Empire was beset by an awareness of ethnic and national feelings. The consequences included were the aggressive demands of the new groups formed which could not be met by representatives of the German lands: the princes and nobles (Grane, pp. 78-90). The Reformation provided a new theology of political authority and the relationship between the Christian man and authority. As for the social context, the feudal system threatened by the growth of a new class, the bourgeoisie, interested in trade and exchange. The small towns were becoming urban centers, and there was a new feeling of independence from the feudal ...