THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS REFORMATION MOVEMENTS INCIVILIZATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

Religious reformation movements have
historically played a pivotal role in shaping civilizations by
redefining moral, social, political, and philosophical
frameworks. This article examines how key reformation
movements, such as the Protestant Reformation in Europe,
Islamic revivalist movements, and Bhakti movements in South
Asia, led to civilizational transformations across different
regions. These movements not only restructured religious
authority but also stimulated intellectual awakenings, legal
reforms, and political revolutions. Through a comparative
and interdisciplinary approach, this study traces the links
between religious reforms and civilizational change, arguing
that while reformations often began within religious
parameters, their ripple effects extended far beyond,
influencing science, governance, education, and human rights
discourses. The article concludes that reformation
movements, despite diverse theological bases, share a
common feature: catalyzing paradigm shifts that have lasting
socio-civilizational consequences.