Question

Read the excerpt and answer the question.

The church needs a reformation which is not the work of one man, namely, the pope, or of many men, namely the cardinals . . . but it is the work of the whole world, indeed it is the work of God alone.
— Martin Luther, Explanation of the Ninety-Five Theses, 1518

Based on Luther's explanation of his work, how did the Protestant Reformation’s focus on individual thought lead to political change over time?

A.
People sought to unite all people under one world government.

B.
People sought strong authorities to help them order their lives.

C.
People sought more democratic forms of government.

D.
People sought more government control over religions.

Answer 1

C

Luther’s emphasis on individual access to scripture and personal conscience undermined centralized religious authority (the pope/Church). Over time that encouraged people to question traditional hierarchies and demand more political representation and rights, contributing to more democratic forms of government.