The Protestant Reformation

In 1517, the Augustinian monk Martin Luther published his 95 Theses, initially protesting the abuse of indulgences. This act quickly escalated into a broader theological revolt against papal authority, the sacrificial nature of the Mass, and the Catholic understanding of justification. The movement, later joined by figures like John Calvin and Huldrych Zwingli, led to the formation of various Protestant denominations. This massive rupture permanently ended the religious unity of Western Europe, sparking centuries of theological debate and devastating religious wars.