The religious ideals promoted by Reformation writers in the sixteenth century were in conflict with that of the Roman Catholic Church. The belief and practices of the Roman Catholic Church prompted others to examine the intentions and character of its theological viewpoints. Reformers disagreed with the practices of pious authority usurped by Roman authority, The Pope, and the misappropriation of religious sacraments. Differing opinions also appealed to the selling of papal documents that guaranteed the penitent their remission of sins called indulgences. These practices countered ambitious political rulers in their efforts of extending their power and influence at the churches expense. Thus, the Roman Catholic orthodoxy was challenged by theologians that wanted to see that the holy scriptures was leaned upon for spiritual guidance and salvation.
Reformists, such as John Wycliffe, were very much concerned with seeing the corruption within the church dissipate. In his day, those who could not read Latin, would study the Bible by merely listening to the preacher (those trained in religious matters). (Placher, 1988, vol. 1, pg.185). As did other reformist, Wycliffe felt very strongly that priests were not to stand in proxy and mediate the relationship between humanity and God. The Bible, not the pope, was the principal means of
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“Righteousness comes through faith, not from righteous deeds or practices done in penitence,” is one of many theological stances that Martin Luther promoted during the Reformation. (Lecture, March 5, 2017). Luther maintained that justification was a result of faith. He taught that salvation could not be achieved by good works therefore, the sacraments were not necessary in order to be