Reformationen

The Reformation, or reformationen in Danish/Norwegian, was a major religious, political, and cultural movement in the 16th century that challenged the practices, authority, and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church and led to the creation of Protestant churches. Initiated by calls for reform among theologians and laypeople, it argued that salvation came through faith and scripture rather than through the church’s mediated sacraments, and it criticized church corruption and the sale of indulgences.

A key trigger was Martin Luther's posting of the 95 Theses in 1517, which questioned papal authority and sparked widespread debate, aided by the printing press. The movement spread rapidly across German-speaking lands and beyond, leading to the formation of Lutheran, Reformed, and later other Protestant traditions. National rulers used it to assert independence from the papacy, contributing to the political realignments of the era. The English Reformation, under Henry VIII, produced the Church of England and a distinct ecclesiastical structure, while Calvinist centers emerged in Geneva and spread through parts of Europe.

In response, the Catholic Church initiated the Counter-Reformation, culminating in the Council of Trent (1545–1563) and the creation of new religious orders, reforms of clerical discipline, and the reaffirmation of Catholic doctrine. The movement contributed to profound social and cultural change, including vernacular Bible translations, education, and literacy, as well as long-running religious conflicts such as the Thirty Years' War.

Over time, the Reformation reshaped the religious map of Europe and laid foundations for modern pluralism and secular governance.