The Reformation and why it Matters
The Reformation is said to have begun on October 31, 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg. The effects that came from this moment and from the Reformation have had a tremendous effect on religious history. For various reasons, others "broke off" from the church soon after Martin Luther. These groups didn't agree with Catholicism, but they also didn't hold the same beliefs as Lutherans, so they formed their own church. During the 16th Century, John Calvin and Henry VIII challenged the Catholic Church and formed the Calvinists and the Church of England respectively. The affect of these and other Christian leaders has reached around the world. More denominations were formed until there is now somewhere around 40,000 different Christian denominations today.
The Protestant Reformation allowed differences within Christianity that remain today. While Luther and Calvin did not agree with some aspects of Catholicism, they did not think that the entire denomination was wrong. Thus, because of the Protestant Reformation, we have a general title of Christianity which covers many differences in the worship of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, the Reformation led to faith-centered groups being persecuted for questioning or separating from Catholicism. Because of this, some sought new lands in which to practice their faith without recrimination. Some of these groups were the first to come to Anerica to settle. The religious freedom enjoyed in the U.S. today can be traced back to the philosophy of the Reformation.Yet, we are allowed to h
The Protestant Reformation allowed differences within Christianity that remain today. While Luther and Calvin did not agree with some aspects of Catholicism, they did not think that the entire denomination was wrong. Thus, because of the Protestant Reformation, we have a general title of Christianity which covers many differences in the worship of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, the Reformation led to faith-centered groups being persecuted for questioning or separating from Catholicism. Because of this, some sought new lands in which to practice their faith without recrimination. Some of these groups were the first to come to Anerica to settle. The religious freedom enjoyed in the U.S. today can be traced back to the philosophy of the Reformation.Yet, we are allowed to h