It happened at the beginning of the 16^th Century.The Catholic Church based upon the bureaucratic structure of the Holy Roman Empire.The system was externally powerful, but internally corrupt.Reform of the church was called between 1215 and 1545.Nine church-councils were placed to hold reform, but inevitably the churches failed to reach significant accord.The clergy was unable to conduct themselves according to church doctrine, as a continuation, the abuse of church ceremonies and practices persist today. In the first half of the 16^th Century, Western Europe experienced changes in social, artistic and geo-political changes, which collided with the Catholic Church.This conflict is called the Protestant Reformation, and its response is the Counter Reformation. The Reformation severed Europe into two bodies, the northern territory of Protestants and the southern territory Catholics.Ultimately, the functions of the church and roles of worship were susceptible to causalities.Art in the church suffered extensive damage and division among places of worship. Through centuries, the ripple effect swept across the European borders to a worldwide epidemic controversy of art aesthetics in light of church politics. What aftershocks were felt in the western church? What reverberations are still felt today?

From the discoveries of literature, music, science and the visual arts of early Renaissance, Protestants sought grounds to call church reform.From history, Protestant churches removed visual arts in the church by the invasion of iconoclasm.Stained glass windows, icons, images, paintings, symbols and musical instruments were destroyed in the Catholic churches. The Protestants perceived the Catholic images and sounds as a moral dilution of the faith. In response to iconoclasm, the Catholic Church produced more elaborate baroque artistry.The exuberant style of art and architecture was the ideological opposition to Protestant beliefs.The dramatic designs and extravagant artistry of Saint Peter's and the Gesu' in Rome reflected the belief and heritage of the Catholic church; while the northern Protestants constructed conservative, black and white architecture that symbolized reform.

Along with Reformers, some Catholics were also divided among themselves over the practice of selling indulgences. Indulgences, were crafted sacred images that were sold in the Catholic Church. The seller assured the buyer's remission of sins and to guaranty a shorter period in purgatory.During this immoral outbreak, Martin Luther, a law student and parish priest, revolted against the practice of selling indulgences. He composed a list called, "Ninety-Five Theses," which demanded the resolution and change of selling indulgences. This document was a reaction to the building fund in 1517 for the construction of Saint Peter's in Rome.Luther was condemned by Pope Leo X because of his treason to the Catholic Church. He was sought after, which forced him to live in hiding for a year.Later, the printing press gave Luther a voice to spread his views all over Europe, which gained enormous support.

The political sweep of the Reformation greatly impacted Christian worship because the church was very much tied to governmental control. Early church leaders declared that the supremacy of God's Word instituted the role of the church. The campaign for Reform emphasized on national control of finances rather than the Roman government, permission for clergy to marry and the reform for all church sacraments. Once the Reformation began, it rendered the people a means of social empowerment. Later in 1555, The Peace of Augsburg temporarily reconciles both Protestant north and the Catholic south in Germany, while the conflict moves westward towards Spain and France. The Council of Trent is called to resolve doctrinal and clergy issues to formalize and safeguard the orthodox faith. In the second half of the 16^th century, the theological and political conflict breeds animosity between reformers. After the death of Luther and Calvin, Protestants have split into a number of sectarian churches. Throughout the warfare, art had suffered an undesirable neglect, now its concerns rise for its survival in the church.