How did the following causes contribute to the 16th- century Reformation Movement in Europe:

(a) Humanist Movement: The pretensions of the Church was much discredited by Humanist Movement. Reuchlin and Erasmus criticised the Church for its corruption and worldly business. Reuchlin brought to light many inconsistencies in the interpretation of the Bible that were made by theological scholars. The Dutch scholar Erasmus, criticized the conduct of the clergy and he wanted them to change their lifestyle. Unfortunately, Pope Leo X could not see the danger signal. 

(b) Spread of New Learning: The New Learning and the spirit of inquiry that was developed by the Renaissance scholars, the invention of printing press and printing of Bible in vernacular languages brought a complete change in people’s outlook. They now questioned superiority of the Church. It also led to the growth of secular ideas. Nobles and merchants believed that there was nothing wrong in acquiring wealth to lead a worldly life. The monarchs and capitalists were jealous of the wealth of the Church. The common people in Europe looked upon Church- taxes with contempt.