1485–1600Protesting Protestants. Spiritual darkness had swept across the continent. Throughout the Christian lands of Europe, the clarity of God’s grace given through Jesus Christ had dimmed. A system of human effort designed to achieve God’s favor meant people were confused about Scripture,about salvation, and about the purpose of life. But in those dark times, light dawned. To rekindle the Church, a radical reformation was needed. Brave individuals challenged long–held teachings that had drifted from Scripture. Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Thomas Cranmer led movements of reformation in their nations. They called the church back to basics: the clear teaching of the Bible, to Christ, to faith, to grace, to life to the glory of God. Others, such as Patrick Hamilton, William.