History & Civics
Why did the common masses begin to oppose the Church?
Reformation
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Answer
The common masses began to oppose the Church due to its corrupt practices and abuses. As the Popes and clergymen became more ambitious and led luxurious lives, they engaged in practices like Simony (selling church offices) and Pluralism (holding multiple church positions). Clergymen acted like feudal lords, exploiting the people. The Pope also demanded Annates (payment of a clergyman's first year's income) and sold indulgences, absolutions, and dispensations to promise salvation in exchange for money. Furthermore, the clergymen often broke their vows of celibacy and poverty, treating religion as a commercial business. These corrupt practices deeply angered the masses, leading to their revolt against the Church.
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Related Questions
In which way was Renaissance the cause of Reformation?
What do you mean by Counter-Reformation?
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety Five Thesis on the church door in Wittenburg and directly challenged the sale of indulgence. His actions immediately attracted the attention of all Europe. Engels described Luther's revolt against the Roman Catholic Church as 'Luther's lightning struck home'."
(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/72251/1/Unit-9.pdf)
(a) Why did Martin Luther revolt against the Catholic Church?
(b) Why did Martin Luther object to the sale of indulgences by Tetzel in Wittenberg?
What was the role of new learning in the Reformation?