In the essay “The Impact of the Protestant Reformation,” there is much discussion of the individual now
being able to study Scripture for himself or herself. This not only affected their view of the church but
?we in America today view freedom, government, and rightsalso the state. How has this influenced how
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The Impact of the Protestant Reformation on America
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The Protestant Reformation began in Europe and spread throughout other continents, all through
to America. The Reformation created a new belief system that people would die for. The
Protestant Reformation changed how people viewed the world, their concept of God, and how
they viewed the government. The Reformation encouraged individuals to read and study the
scripture for themselves. It was not long before when the citizens realized the government should
not inform them of scripture or put burdens on them (Pg. 462). The Reformation indeed created
new beliefs in terms of freedom where individuals would choose from. People developed a new
vision of freedom to decide how to live. As people studied culture during the upheavals of
protestant Reformation, they would realize the commonalities that united people in society.
While the values of culture would determine the behaviors and actions of the culture, the
Reformation transformed how people viewed the world.
The protestant against the Pope and catholic belief system, as many people believed, was driven
by Martin Luther of Germany. Luther, for example, promoted individualism for religious
freedom, which was a stepping stone for political freedom. Even though the desire for religious
freedom was more influential, the Reformation gave people a new view of freedom not only
from the religious perception but also their rights (Pg. 463). As people noted that they were free
to read and interpret the Bible, why would they not choose their leaders and government? Their
view questioned the government on why it denied their right as free individuals. Indeed, the
Protestant Reformation transformed the religious freedom to liberty in which people could
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control their own destiny. Were it not for protestant Reformation, people would not only be
denied their religious freedom, but also their political freedom/rights.
