återformningen

Återformningen, also known as the Reformation, was a major religious, political, and cultural movement that began in the Western Church in the 16th century. It was a response to the perceived corruption and abuses within the Roman Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences and the authority of the Pope. The Reformation was initiated by Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, who in 1517 posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, outlining his grievances with the Church's practices.

Luther's ideas spread rapidly, leading to the establishment of Protestant churches and the division of Christianity into Catholic and Protestant denominations. The Reformation had significant political and social implications, contributing to the rise of national states and the decline of feudalism. It also led to the development of new forms of art, literature, and music, reflecting the religious and cultural changes of the time.

The Reformation was not a single event but a complex process that involved various reformers, movements, and conflicts. Key figures include Huldrych Zwingli, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli, who each had their own interpretations of the Reformation and established their own churches. The Counter-Reformation, led by the Catholic Church, sought to address the challenges posed by the Reformation and restore Catholic influence.

The Reformation had a profound impact on European society, shaping religious, political, and cultural landscapes for centuries to come. It remains a significant event in the history of Christianity and Western civilization.