The following are the problems that contributed to the Protestant Reformation: Illiteracy of clergy
Bible in German
Great Schism/Babylonian Captivity
Conciliarism
Marsilius of Padua's book: Defender of the Peace: Attacked papal authority.
Development of personal devotions and suspicion of clergy
Greed of secular leaders for Church wealth: 1/3 of Europe was church land
New postal system and the growth of cities
Increased wealth and more traveling
The church was unable to suppress dissent as it had earlier because Luther translated the Bible to German so people could read it and come up with their own views about it.
