Reformation: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The term comes from the Latin word 'reformatio', meaning 'to form again'.
• It began in the 16th century in Europe, where many people sought to change the practices of the Catholic Church.
• Key figures, like Martin Luther, played vital roles in the movement, famous for his '95 Theses' disputing church practices.

Cultural Impact

• The Reformation led to the establishment of various Protestant churches, altering Christian practices forever.
• It inspired artistic movements, resulting in significant works that reflected the new religious ideas, particularly in Germany and Switzerland.
• New ideas about government and society emerged, influencing concepts of personal freedom and individual rights.

Literature

• Many writings, including pamphlets and translations of the Bible, spread the ideas of the Reformation widely.
• William Shakespeare’s works often contained themes of questioning authority, mirroring the spirit of the Reformation.
• John Calvin's writings on theology shaped not just religion but also early modern political thought.

Science

• The Reformation coincided with the Scientific Revolution, encouraging a questioning spirit that benefitted natural sciences.
• It paved the way for more secular thinking, which allowed for scientific inquiry free from ecclesiastical constraints.
• Some reformers, like Galileo, faced opposition because their scientific views conflicted with religious teachings.

Psychology

• The Reformation promoted the idea of personal faith, which affected how individuals thought about their relationship with the divine.
• It contributed to the growth of literacy, as people desired to read the Bible themselves, which influenced cognitive development and critical thinking.
• The movement also influenced modern psychological concepts around identity and individualism, emphasizing self-interpretation in belief systems.

Ranked #11,104, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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• 11104 reformation
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