In what way was the Reformation a necessity for the political, social, and religious developments of Europe?

The Reformations in Europe provided avenues for the people to challenge traditions and existing religious, political and social systems. Religiously, the Reformations challenged the relevance and role of the church and its leadership with regards to leadership. Further, reformers such as Martin Luther challenged the papal authority and the Catholic Church’s ability to define Christian practice. These reformers insisted that it was only the Bible that had the capacity to make this definition. To this effect, they advocated for the Bible to be distributed to the public. Politically, it became necessary to separate the church from state. This was initiated by King Henry, who took religion to the masses and reduced the authority of the papal office. He did this after Pope Clement VII refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Socially, the people were allowed vernacular worship and the use of a Common Book of Prayer. Reformation was necessary for the continuity of Renaissance and the onset of the Modern Era.