The Lutheran and Catholic Reformations of the 16th century can be differentiated through both conflicting and common reforms. Only in understanding both the history behind a religious movement and the society in which the uprising was produced can individual aspects be compared. Furthermore, when dealing with a religious reformation, two main characteristics must be examined: doctrine and religious practice. The Lutheran Reformation altered the accepted view of religion in its time; with this major revision came numerous differences and few similarities between the Lutheran and Catholic Churches.

Both the Lutheran and Catholic Reformations occurred in the same time period, however the circumstances leading up to each reformation were dissimilar. During the early 16th century "Europe was becoming more religious and people wanted more from the church than the Church could possibly give them (297)." This statement encompasses the growing feeling of rejection felt towards the traditional Catholic Church through...