The Thirty Years War occured between the dispute of the Catholics and Protestants. Fighting over religious and political control, it degenerated into a war that lasted for three decades. Religion is pivotal to perceive the intended purpose because both the Catholics and Protestants have differnt views on the nature of the church. The Catholics follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as a path to Jesus. Believing in the authority of the The head of the Catholic Church is the Pope which represents Jesus Christ's concern for individuals. Since the Pope has authoritative powers, he maintains diplomatic relationships between numerous nations. The Protestant Reformation became the structure of one of the major branches; Protestantism. The Reformation occurred during the 16th century when Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk composed his article, 95 Theses that protested against the Catholic Church. He demonstrated that corruption in the Roman Catholic Church is to be exposed, further attempting to reform the Catholic Church. However, the Protestants believed that the authority is the scriptors. When hearing the scriptures, individuals hear the voice of God only. The purpose of religion is to enforce religion-based morals and norms that enables the construct of comformity in the society. Believing and worshipping in a higher power gives an individual hope and maintain social control.
Martin Luther, a German monk began the Protestant Reformation that altered the history of Christianity. At the age of 27, Luther was welcomed in to the Catholic Church conference in Rome. However, he lost confidence of the church due to the corruption that he witnessed from the Catholic Church. He continued furthering his education in theology, which motivated him to compose an article called 95 Theses. Due to the technological advancement of the printing press, copies were sold everywhere rapidly. Since he targeted the Catholic Church, he was official excommunicated, therefore, organized his new church that gained many followers. After his death at the age of 62, his philosophies continued to grow and spread across Europe.
One doctrine that separates the Catholics and the Protestants is their perception of salvation. In Roman Catholicism, an infant needs to be baptized in order to be saved in the Catholic Church in order to be born again and is justified; forgiven of all sins. Infant is not save because it does not wipe away all debts just the spiritual debt. In order to wipe away the guilt and subsequent sins, one has to imply themselves in good work and other sacraments in the Catholic Church by consistently working. However Protestants believed that it is all of grace. When God saves us, it is his doing and faith alone. The good works one does it the response of God's mercy. This religious conflict is considered one of the most longest and brutal war due to the eight million casualties.
Another doctrine that splits the Catholics and Protestants is purgatory. In Protestantism, there is no purgatory. Fundamentally, all the sins are forgiven through the faith in Christ. However, in Roman Catholicism, even though when an individual exercise faith and are faithful Christians, they still have the debt to pay to sin. It is pay after death by purgatory, which spends thousands of years in a purgatorial suffering, infusing righteous and acceptance to heaven. However, since the Thirty Years War occurred for a long duration of time, it became less about religion and more about which group would dominant and govern Europe. The role of religion caused a conflict and war due to groups strongly hold their beliefs. It can often lead to clashes and disputes over the morals of religion and beliefs.