Which figure is primarily associated with the initiation of the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing the importance of individual faith and rationality?

The figure most closely associated with the beginning of the Protestant Reformation is Martin Luther. In 1517, he famously nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, challenging the practices of the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences. Luther emphasized that individuals could have a direct relationship with God through faith, rather than relying solely on the church's teachings and rituals. This idea encouraged people to think for themselves and question authority, leading to a shift towards valuing personal belief and reason. For example, Luther's translation of the Bible into German made it accessible to more people, allowing them to interpret scripture on their own.