Which best describes a cause of the schism between the Roman Catholic and Protestant branches of Christianity?

Pope Urban II used the Church’s political power to start the Crusades against the Arab Empire over the possession of Jerusalem.

Emperor Constantine declared Christianity the national religion of the Roman Empire and denounced paganism.

Martin Luther’s 95 Theses criticized the practices of the Roman Catholic Church, including the selling of indulgences, in a public forum.

In the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror invaded England and killed King Harold, claiming the English crown on Christmas Day.

It’s c ! ^

The option that best describes a cause of the schism between the Roman Catholic and Protestant branches of Christianity is Martin Luther’s 95 Theses criticizing the practices of the Roman Catholic Church, including the selling of indulgences, in a public forum.

The best answer that describes a cause of the schism between the Roman Catholic and Protestant branches of Christianity is "Martin Luther's 95 Theses criticized the practices of the Roman Catholic Church, including the selling of indulgences, in a public forum."

To understand why this is the correct answer, let's break down the other options:

1. Pope Urban II starting the Crusades: While the Crusades did play a role in the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and other nations and religions, they do not directly relate to the schism between Catholicism and Protestantism.

2. Emperor Constantine establishing Christianity as the national religion: This event, known as the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, was significant for the early development of Christianity, but it does not specifically address the schism between Catholicism and Protestantism, which occurred much later.

3. William the Conqueror invading England: The Battle of Hastings and William's conquest of England have no direct relationship to the schism within Catholicism.

The Reformation, which began with Martin Luther's critique of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century, is widely regarded as the cause of the schism. Luther's 95 Theses, which he posted on the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany, criticized various practices of the Catholic Church, including the sale of indulgences. This public critique sparked a broader movement that eventually led to the split between Catholics and Protestants.

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