Which of the following describes a major similarity between the Roman CatholicChurch and Protestant churches that formed following the ProtestantReformation?O A. Both are important forms of Western European Christianity.O B. Both practice the sacred Christian ritual of selling indulgenceso C. Both are based on the ideas of absolute monarchy and the divine rightof kings.O D. Both supported the growth of secularism throughout Europe.

The Roman Catholic Church developed in the early centuries of the Common Era. For the first century after Jesus Christ's time on earth, the movement that followed his teaching grew and spread within the Roman Empire. Eventually, Rome itself became a power center for the Christian movement. Particularly after Constantine moved the capital of the empire to Constantinople in the 4th century, the stature of the Bishop of Rome (later called the Pope) grew to great strength.

The Middle Ages saw the institutionalization of the Roman Catholic Church. Doctrines were expanded and various practices were added. Aspects of corruption also crept into the church. The Protestant Reformation arose in challenge to many of those doctrines and practices, as well as seeking to rid the church of abuses and corruption.

The Protestant Reformation is noted as beginning with Martin Luther's posting of what are commonly called "The 95 Theses." The official title of Luther's document, which he put forth on October 31, 1517, as theses for debate, was: Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences. Indulgences were papers issued by the authority of the pope that granted the person obtaining them the removal of penance owed in regard to their sins. Luther objected not only to the fact that these papers were being peddled for money, but questioned many of the doctrinal foundations behind the use of indulgences.

As Luther continued his reform efforts, he protested not only indulgences, but the revering of relics, prayers to saints, the authority of the pope, and more. Many of the long-standing Catholic Church traditions were challenged. Other reformers, such as Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin, also became part of the Protestant Reformation activity.

Luther and the other Protestant reformers proclaimed salvation as a gift of God's grace, rather than something earned by human efforts. The Roman Catholic Church spoke of God's grace also, but as an enabling power that helped human beings do the works required for obtaining salvation. The reformers still preached that we should do good works, but said those works were a fruit of being saved rather than a source of salvation.