Impact of the Protestant Reformation

The impact of the Protestant Reformation changed the religious beliefs, practices, culture and society of Christians mainly in Europe but also in other parts of the world.

1.   Religious Beliefs:   During the Protestant Reformation the people had new evidence that the old beliefs were not true.  The old evidence that caused them to believe what they believed was the words of the pope and the Catholic books.  The new evidence was the Bible which now they could read it in their own language.
2.   Religious Practices:      Before the Reformation many people would give money to the priest or the Pope to have their sins forgiven.  This was called: Penance  It was known as: Righteousness by Works.   Now that they have the Bibles the people know that God forgives your sins just by asking Him.  This is called: Righteousness by Faith.
3.   Culture:  Before the Protestant Reformation the kings obeyed the Pope and did whatever the Pope told them to do.  After the Reformation the kings realized that the popes were teaching false things and decided that they were no longer going to do what the popes said and began to rule their kingdoms by themselves.  They also did not support the Catholic church with money as they used to.
4.   Society of Christians:     Before the Reformation just about all the Christians when to the Catholic Church.  It was the only official Christian  Church.  After the Reformation a lot of new churches got started like the Lutherans; the Methodist and the Baptist.  The people in the new churches were call Protestants.  Many Protestants and Catholics argued and even fought about who were the real Christian people of God. 

Source of information: The Internet and discussing the topic with my father.
Internet link: http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-religion/protestant-reformation.htm