The original goal of the leaders of the Reformation, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, was to reform the practices and beliefs of the Catholic Church in the 16th century. They aimed to address what they perceived as corruption and abuses within the Church, and to restore what they believed to be the original teachings and practices of early Christianity. They sought to challenge the authority and doctrines of the Catholic Church, advocating for a more direct relationship between individuals and God through faith and scripture, rather than relying on the intermediaries of the church hierarchy. Ultimately, their efforts led to the establishment of Protestant denominations and a significant transformation in the religious, political, and social landscape of Europe.
