The Reformation was a huge movement leading to the popularization of Protestant Christianity. It spread to Christians across Europe, but how did it spread so far? The Protestant Reformation was a rebellion against Catholic beliefs by Christians in the 16th century. At the time, the Catholic Church held a heavy authority over its laypeople. Authority vested in the Pope and the Church officials. Martin Luther was a German monk who believed each person should have authority over his or her own religion. He became angry that Church officials handed out indulgences (which was an official forgiveness of sins) for money without ensuring the purchaser was sincerely repentant. He became so angry he wrote 95 theses concerning this practice and nailed them to the church door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg. WHY DO YOU THINK THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION HIT EUROPE AT THE END OF THE RENAISSANCE? HOW DO THE IDEALS OF THE RENAISSANCE RELATE TO RELIGIOUS REFORM?