What do you think was the most permanent impact of the Reformation?

Answer 1

A:

One obvious outcome of the Protestant Reformation was the breakup of the Catholic Church, with the creation of Protestant Churches. Another, more indirect, effect was the reformation of the Catholic Church itself. Both of these outocmes are reversible. For example, it is conceivable that the Catholic and Protestant Churches could, one day in the future, reconcile and recombine. Similarly, the Catholic Church could one day become as corrupt as it was in the Renaissance period - and perhaps it has already gone down that path, given revelations about the financial affairs of the Church and those about widespread child abuse.

One effect that is more likely to remain permanent is the loss by the Catholic Church of absolute power over the lives of people. The Reformation allowed democracy to take root, and even gave secular authorities power to investigate criminal activity by clergy, should this occur within the relevant jurisdictions. It also allowed people to make their own decisions on how and whether to worship God.