Medieval Europe was entrapped or gripped by many evils i.e., orthodoxy, ignorance and blasphemy, etc. In the 16th century, the people were influenced by Renaissance in order to end religious orthodoxy of Pope and began a movement against autocracy and supermacy of Pope, blasphemy and treachery of church.
This came to be known as religious reformation movement.
- The influence of Renaissance : The Renaissance led to rise of mental thinking. This gave the power of independent thinking or by this thinking power the people in Europe opposed the interference of church and broke the chains of ignorance to have improvement in religion.
- The influence of humanitarianism : Humanitarianism attracted many followers towards Catholic church. This thinking pattern did pure explanation of Christian religion and criticized the existing evils for the religious reformation path to be shown.
- The existing wrongdoing under church : The church officials on the sale of posts in church gave their relatives the benefits of post. The law of the state was not applicable on the churches. The priests of church were exempted from paying taxes. Pope believed himself to be king of Christian world. The pope had special right named ‘Ex-communication’ and ‘Interdect’ by which he controlled the state and religion. King and public both remained fearful of church. These evils or wrongdoings developed agitated minds among rulers of states. The result was that the religions reformation movement began.
- The public exploitation by church : Church used to extract many kinds of taxes from people. The wealth was extracted in the name of religion and church had become a wealthy organisation. This way European farmers and common people revolted against the taxes levied by the church.
- The unlimited wealth of church : The church had wealth beyond limits. Church did not pay any taxes to state. Kings had to bear the expenses of war and administrtion for which money was required but church did not support or assist the state in any form. Due to this, the state kings went against church. The result was that they supported religious reformation movement.
- The ambitions of middle class : During Renaissance period with the growth in trade and rise of nationalistic states, Europe had a new middle class resurgence. The middle class to fulfill their ambitions, revolted against popular orthodox traditions only to begin the religious reformation movement.
- The interference of Pope in politics : Pope by his special rights believed himself to be above ruling system and law. Pope misued his powers in the states political work. By these reasons the king became opposed to the supremacy of church and came out with followers of religious reformation movement.
- Worldly Process : Devotees, humanitarians and reformers, intellectuals and thinkers through logic began to revolt against the Pope and clergy for immoral, corrupt and luxurious life. Pope declared them anti-religious by which religious reformation movement was strengthened.
- Sale of apology letters : Pope and priests in order to collect money from public in their greed sold the apology letters to the common man (The letter to get rid of sins).
- The development of scientific approach or perspective : Practical use and training of new scientific system opposed the feudal and orthodox concept of universe and human growth.
