One of the main reasons why the Reformation came about was the practice of the Indulgence by the Catholic Church. It was a way where one can lessen the amount of punishment through a fee or an activity. This has caused a controversy during the time because it made people believe that salvation and forgiveness could be bought. Martin Luther was very much opposed to the practice of selling Indulgences and his critic of the practice eventually led to his break from Rome and founded the Lutheran Church. The Counter-Reformation made some changes to curb the excesses of Indulgences but nonetheless this practice help end religious unity in Western Europe.
