What major event led to the Protestant Reformation?

The Protestant Reformation was significantly influenced by the printing of the Bible in the common tongue. This pivotal event allowed individuals beyond the clergy to read and interpret Scripture for themselves, fostering personal connections to faith and doctrine that were previously mediated by the Church. As people gained access to the Bible in their native languages, they began to challenge established religious authorities and practices, leading to a widespread desire for reform within the Church.

The translation and distribution of the Bible contributed greatly to the movement by empowering individuals, making theological discourse more accessible, and spurring a sense of personal responsibility in understanding faith. This burgeoning literacy and accessibility ultimately led to the questioning of traditional beliefs and the emergence of various reformist ideas, which coalesced into the Protestant Reformation.

While factors like the rise of universities and the historical teachings of church fathers played roles in shaping theological discourse, and the Crusades had lasting effects on Christian-Muslim relations and Church authority, it was the ability to read the Bible privately and personally that had a direct and transformative impact on the practices and beliefs that fueled the Reformation.