What was the primary aim of the Protestant Reformation?

The primary aim of the Protestant Reformation was to challenge the authority of the Catholic Church. Emerging in the early 16th century, the Reformation was sparked by a variety of factors, including widespread dissatisfaction with the Church's practices, such as the sale of indulgences and the lack of moral integrity among some clergy. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin sought to address these issues by questioning the Church's teachings and advocating for a return to what they perceived as a more authentic interpretation of Christianity.

The movement emphasized personal faith and the authority of the Scriptures over the established hierarchical structure of the Church. The Reformation led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations, each promoting different theological perspectives but all uniting in their critique of the Catholic Church's authority and practices. This aim reshaped the religious landscape of Europe, causing significant political, cultural, and social upheaval, leading to increased fragmentation and the establishment of various forms of Christianity.