How did the Protestant Reformation contribute to the development of rationality in Enlightenment thought?

The Protestant Reformation, which began in the 16th century, encouraged people to think for themselves and question traditional authorities, especially the Catholic Church. This shift away from blind faith led individuals to seek personal understanding and interpretation of religious texts, fostering a spirit of inquiry. As people began to value reason and evidence over tradition, this mindset spilled over into other areas of life, including science and philosophy, which were central to the Enlightenment. For example, thinkers like John Locke and René Descartes emphasized reason and individual thought, building on the Reformation's ideas. Ultimately, the Reformation laid the groundwork for Enlightenment thinkers to explore new ideas about human rights, government, and knowledge, promoting a more rational and critical approach to understanding the world.