What was a key factor in the decline of the Roman Catholic Church’s influence in the 16th century?

Study for the Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Exam. Prepare with diverse question formats and detailed explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

The decline of the Roman Catholic Church's influence in the 16th century can be largely attributed to the practice of selling indulgences and widespread corruption within the Church. This practice, where individuals could purchase the forgiveness of sins or reduce their time in purgatory, was seen by many as a blatant exploitation of the faithful. It prompted significant backlash, most notably leading to Martin Luther's 95 Theses in 1517, which criticized these and other corrupt practices and ignited the Protestant Reformation. The movement fostered further questioning of Church authority and doctrine, diminishing the Church's power and leading to the establishment of various Protestant denominations that rejected papal authority. The corruption within the Church undermined its moral authority, contributing to its decline in influence during this pivotal historical period.

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