The Oxford illustrated history of the Reformation

The Reformation was a pivotal historical event with lasting effects in Europe and beyond. Initiated by Martin Luther's protests against the sale of indulgences in 1517, it was part of a broader call for reform within the Christian Church. This movement quickly escalated into intense debates across Germany and Europe regarding the nature of God's will and human salvation. These discussions transcended theology, reshaping politics, international relations, social and cultural dynamics, gender relations, and everyday life. The Reformation also spurred Christianity's evolution into a global religion, as the Roman Catholic Church sought to regain influence through new conversions in Asia and the Americas. This illustrated volume explores both Protestant and Catholic reform movements, detailing the Reformation's explosive beginnings and its profound, lasting legacy. The narrative reveals a complex struggle among various groups and individuals, with or without political backing, each pursuing their vision of reform. Ultimately, it illustrates how these efforts, despite their intentions, contributed to the pluralistic and often conflicted world we experience today.