The Age of Reformation

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper contends and explains why the age of Reformation was most influenced by the opinions and dialogues of the 16th century. This paper discusses the impact of Christianity and religion, which was the very basis of society during this particular era. This well-researched paper details Martin Luther's historic impact on reformation, which resulted in a permanent change of Christianity and European culture. When Luther nailed his "Ninety-Five Theses," attacking papal abuses and the sale of indulgences by church officials, to the door of the Wittenberg Church, this became the symbolic act that began the Reformation era. This paper examines the various factors and influences that brought about this new era including the fact that the Europeans were expanding all over the globe, due mainly to the economic activity of mercantilism. This paper also delves into the influences of Desiderius Erasmus and Sir Thomas More.

From the Paper:

"Two major influences from the north were Desiderius Erasmus and Sir Thomas More. Erasmus, 146-1536, developed a simple theology of Christian love, and believed that Christianity was basically an ethical religion, the philosophy of Christ, which was one of selfless love and piety. He believed that the Church's practices and dogmas were a profound departure from the philosophy of Christ. Some of the foundational texts of Protestantism belong to the writings of Erasmus. Sir Thomas More, 1478-1535, was the most prominent English humanist of the sixteenth century and an unwavering Catholic who was executed by Henry VIII for not renouncing this Catholicism, yet although he never converted to Protestantism, his writings were highly critical of the papacy and church abuses, and thus, also became part of the foundation of English Protestantism."

More papers on The Age of Reformation:

• Book Review # 97178 : "'The Age of McCarthyism'"
• Essay # 19280 : "The Age of Reform" by Richard Hofstadter"
• Descriptive Essay # 149113 : "Educational Reform During the Age of Colleges"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: