What is the Reformation? Creating a new worldview

The Catholic Church in the Middle Ages was one of the richest tycoons in Europe. Its influence was enormous, even kings had to listen to the opinion of the Pope. And the English King Henry even had to create his church in order to get rid of the spiritual and political influence of the higher Catholic hierarchs. But the true reformation of the church is not the creation of a nationally-controlled denomination in England. In fact, this movement is more spiritual than political. What is the Reformation?

Discontent with the leadership and rites of the Catholic Church began as early as the end of the 14th century. Jan Hus was influenced by the work of the Englishman John Wycliffe. He declared the necessity of reading the Holy Scripture in his native language and his independent interpretation. At this time one could be accused of heresy. However, the movement of Jan Hus was defeated, he was convicted and executed. There is a legend that during the burning at the stake he predicted the appearance in a hundred years of Martin Luther, whose undertakings will be successful. But at that time the time for profound changes had not yet come, and the Catholic Church had lived relatively still for a whole century.

What is the Reformation? This literally means "change", in this case it was meant to discuss and change the rites and dogmas of the Catholic Church. But within the framework of an inert organization at that time it was impossible, which provoked the emergence of European Protestantism. The era of the Reformation really began in 1517, when Martin Luther published his famous theses. Especially he was indignant at the sale of indulgences - papers that promised the forgiveness of sins. The terrible was not the fact of payment of money, the sacrifice of his church - this is normal. Luther began to come across more and more parishioners who, coming to confession, said that many of their sins had already been bought out by indulgence, and therefore they did not intend to repent. Luther was outraged that the Catholic hierarchs were entitled, first, to establish a "price tag" for sins, and secondly, to take upon themselves the rights of God for the forgiveness of sins.

What is the Reformation? This movement, whose founders decided not to demand reforms, but to create their own, true church. As a result, branches of Protestantism arose, including very strict ones. The spirit of these tough demands for self-improvement has become the basis of the American mentality.

Protestants declared that material prosperity earned by labor or commerce is a sign of God's blessing, and that is why everyone must work, and constantly. This formed the so-called Protestant labor ethic. That is the culture of self-discipline and the ability to postpone the pleasure for later. Entertainment was not encouraged, some Protestant churches today prohibit dancing and television. Therefore, the work was given a lot of time and energy - as a result, the traditionally Protestant states (Germany, England) are still quite rich due to their religious heritage, and their languages have acquired the status of the world.

What is the Reformation? This change in the spiritual life of Europe in the middle of the second millennium after the birth of Christ. It had a profound impact on the fate of the planet, creating a new ideology and a special vision of the world.