What was the primary goal of the Protestant Reformation?

The primary goal of the Protestant Reformation was to reform the Roman Catholic Church. This movement, which began in the early 16th century, sought to address various grievances against the Church, such as corruption, the sale of indulgences, and the centralization of power in the papacy. Prominent figures, such as Martin Luther, advocated for a return to biblical teachings and principles, emphasizing the importance of personal faith and scripture over Church traditions and doctrines. The Reformation ultimately led to the emergence of various Protestant denominations, fundamentally altering the religious landscape of Europe.

The other options focus on concepts or movements that are not directly related to the main purpose of the Reformation. While the ideas surrounding governance, scientific inquiry, and Enlightenment thinking became prominent in later historical contexts, the core aim of the Reformation remained centered on addressing the issues within the Church and promoting a more personal and direct relationship with God through faith and scripture.