In the context of Martin Luther’s impact, what movement did he help initiate?

Martin Luther played a pivotal role in initiating the Protestant Reformation, a major movement in the 16th century that sought to reform practices within the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the emergence of various Protestant denominations. His95 Theses, published in 1517, criticized the sale of indulgences and questioned the authority of the pope, highlighting issues of corruption and the need for spiritual renewal within Christianity.

The Protestant Reformation was characterized by a call for returning to the scriptures and a focus on individual faith rather than reliance solely on church traditions and institutions. Luther's ideas spread rapidly, leading to significant theological debates and ultimately the establishment of new Christian sects that broke away from Catholicism. His impact not only transformed Christianity but also influenced various aspects of Western society, including culture, politics, and education.

The other movements mentioned are distinct and occurred within different contexts. The Enlightenment primarily centered on reason and scientific inquiry, the Counter-Reformation was the Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation aimed at reforming the Church and reaffirming its doctrines, and the Ecumenical Movement refers to efforts to promote unity among different Christian denominations, which arose later in history.