Answer:
Explanation:
Martin Luther's split from the Catholic Church was a pivotal event in the history of Christianity and is known as the Protestant Reformation. Here's a summary of how it unfolded:
**Martin Luther and the Reformation:**
1. **Ninety-Five Theses (1517):** Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, famously nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This document criticized the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences (pardons for sins), and called for reform within the Church.
2. **Debate and Controversy:** Luther's Ninety-Five Theses sparked widespread debate across Europe, challenging the authority of the Pope and the Church's teachings on salvation, sacraments, and religious authority.
3. **Excommunication (1521):** In 1521, Luther was officially excommunicated by Pope Leo X after refusing to recant his teachings at the Diet of Worms, a major imperial assembly. This formal act of excommunication marked Luther's separation from the Catholic Church.
4. **Formation of Lutheranism:** Luther's ideas gained traction, leading to the formation of Lutheranism, a major branch of Protestantism. Lutheranism emphasized salvation through faith alone (sola fide), the authority of the Bible over Church traditions, and the priesthood of all believers.
**The Catholic Church's Response:**
- The Catholic Church did not split from Luther; rather, Luther's teachings and actions led to a division within Western Christianity. The Church initially sought to address Luther's concerns through theological dialogue and Church councils (such as the Council of Trent), but efforts at reconciliation ultimately failed.
- The Reformation led to significant changes within the Catholic Church as well, prompting reforms known as the Counter-Reformation or Catholic Reformation. These reforms addressed issues of corruption, strengthened Church discipline, clarified doctrinal positions, and revitalized spiritual life.
In summary, Martin Luther's break from the Catholic Church was driven by theological disagreements and a desire for reform. His actions catalyzed the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent emergence of various Protestant denominations, marking a profound shift in the religious landscape of Europe and beyond.
