The Protestant Reformation Critical Thinking Examples

Arguably, the protestant reformation began in the 16th century, in that John Calvin, Martin Luther, as well as other Protestants initiated the western Christianity. Perhaps, long-term and short-term factors led to the protestant reformation. One of the long-term causes of the protestant reformation included various practices of the Catholic Church. Martin Luther was opposed to the way indulgences were sold. Martin Luther asserted that the sale of indulgence for the forgiveness of sins was wrong and faulty practice.
Additionally, the worldliness and wealth gained in the Catholic Church led to protestant reformation. The church also became involved on political issues instead of focusing on Gods teachings. People where fully dissatisfied with the wealth of the Catholic Church; hence, poor people claimed that bishops and the clergy belonged to the oppressive and wealthy class. As per the reformists, the Catholic Church was very corrupt in terms of leadership. In the past, the Catholic Church bishops were believed to be the only people who could write and read. But, this later become the long term cause of the reformation; these changes were led by Luther when he translated the Bible and posted the 95 Theses on the doors of churches in Germany. Moreover, the development of the printing press marked the peak on the protestant reformation.
Undeniably, other long-term and short-term causes were directly attributed to catholic practices and beliefs. Most of the protestant reformers attacked this practices and beliefs, which included celibacy, sacraments, Mariology, devotion and intercession of saints, as well as the pope’s authority. The most important cause in this case is the activities and reforms brought about by Martin Luther. These causes include the sale of indulgence and the translation of the bible. This is because many people could now read, write, and interpret the Bible on their own way. Generally, each cause had an impact in the long term and short term, but above all martin Luther and other reformers should be recognized for the protestant reformation.