During the Renaissance, thinkers had a big impact on the growth of Protestantism. Here are some important ways they helped:
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Humanism
- Renaissance humanism focused on studying old texts and believing in the value of each person's mind and skill.
- This new way of thinking made people start to question the usual authorities, including the Catholic Church.
- Thinkers like Erasmus spoke out against the Church. In his work "In Praise of Folly," he pointed out the need for spiritual change.
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Printing Press
- The printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440. It was important for spreading new ideas.
- By the early 1500s, more than 15 million books were printed. This made it much easier for people to access religious writings and ideas about reform.
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Translating the Bible
- Renaissance thinkers encouraged translating the Bible into everyday languages.
- Martin Luther's German translation around 1522 allowed more people to read the Bible for themselves.
- By 1600, about 90% of people in Protestant areas could read the Bible in their own language.
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Challenging Beliefs
- Thinkers like John Calvin introduced ideas like predestination and the importance of having a personal connection with God. This was very different from Catholic teachings.
- Calvin’s book, "Institutes of the Christian Religion," published in 1536, had a major influence on Protestant beliefs.
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Social and Political Changes
- During the Renaissance, people began to doubt those in power, especially as new countries formed during the age of exploration.
- This atmosphere made it easier for people to question the Catholic Church's authority.
- Between 1520 and 1540, the Protestant movement grew rapidly. By 1600, around 25% of people in some parts of Germany identified as Protestant.
In conclusion, Renaissance thinkers pushed ideas that helped people explore and question religious practices. This supported the Protestant Reformation and led to major changes in Christianity across Europe.