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Explain the role played by print in bringing about a division in the Roman Catholic Church.

Print created the possibility of wide circulation of ideas, and introduced a new world of debate, discussion and dissent in the sphere of religion. Through the printed material people were encouraged to think differently and move to action. Martin Luther was a great religious reformer. He was highly critical of the practices and rituals of the Roman Catholic Church. He wanted the people to know about these practices. In 1517, he wrote a book titled Ninety-five These criticising many practices and rituals of the Roman Catholic Church. The printed copy of this was posted on the Church door in Wittenberg challenged the Church to debate his ideas.Luther's writings were immediately reproduced in large numbers and read widely. His translation of the New Testament sold 5000 copies within a few weeks and a second edition appeared within three months. Reprint and wide circulation of Luther's ideas lead to a division within the Church and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Luther was deeply grateful to the print because due to print the new ideas spread which led to the Reformation.


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