Causes of the Reformation

1. Social

1.1. Renaissance values of humanism & secular challenged Church authority

1.2. Printing press helped spread ideas critical of Church

2. Economic

2.1. European princes & kings were jealous of Church's wealth

2.2. Merchants and others resented paying Church taxes

3. Religious

3.1. Church leaders became worldly & corrupt

3.2. People found Church practices (ex. sale of indulgences) unacceptable

4. Political

4.1. Powerful monarchs challenge Church as supreme power in Europe

4.2. Leaders view pope as foreign ruler & challenge authority