The Reformation Period PDF

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The Reformation Period

The reformation period, 1517-1661 was an important period in the history of the church and Christianity as a religion. According to Mark A Noll, that period was characterized by some factor some of which are no longer present while others are present in evangelical Christianity.

Christianity was characterized by use of powerful control by the church in the reformation period. The Roman Catholic Church was so strong and powerful to the extent that those that tried to go against it were subjected to death and torture. This period was also characterized by intolerance between the evangelicals and the Catholics. Some evangelicals believed that their own interpretation and understanding of the bible was right and those with differing views were wrong and evil. Another characteristic of the reformation period is the battle of Arminians vs. Calvinists. According to Arminians, man becomes a sinner when he consciously and voluntarily sins. On the other hand, Calvinists believe that man is born a sinner because the sin is passed to man from Adam and Eve. Calvinists view is tied to the book of Roman 5:12 that says that “Through Adam’s sin we all are born under sin’s power”.

The characteristics of excessive use of power and religious among Christian churches is no longer present in the evangelical churches. Nowadays, evangelicals are ready to sit and discuss with the Catholics on important matters of Christianity. However, some of the evangelicals still believe that their interpretation and understanding of the bible is correct and that of others is wrong. Also, the battle of Arminians vs. Calvinists is still present in evangelical churches.

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Reference

Noll, M. A., & Nystrom, C. (2008). Is the Reformation over?: An evangelical assessment of contemporary Roman Catholicism. Baker Academic....