What was a significant outcome of the Protestant Reformation that contributed to the development of rational thought in Western society?

A significant outcome of the Protestant Reformation was the emphasis on individual interpretation of the Bible, which encouraged people to think for themselves. Before the Reformation, the Catholic Church held great power over religious beliefs, and many people relied on priests to explain the scriptures. However, reformers like Martin Luther argued that everyone should read and understand the Bible on their own, which sparked curiosity and critical thinking. For example, when people began questioning traditional teachings, they started to apply this questioning to other areas of life, including science and philosophy. This shift laid the groundwork for rational thought, as individuals began to trust their own reasoning and observations instead of solely accepting authority.