The periods during the Reformation, Industrial Revolution, and World at War all experienced religious and ecclesiastical conflict. During the Renaissance and Reformation (1330 – 1650), the fundamental practices of the church were put to the test. The church at this time was the largest and most political body. The Pope himself was the most recognizable political figure. It was because of this authority that the church and its pope were more concerned with political issues and less with the spiritual needs of the people (McGraw-Hill, p. 76). Many of the high priests of the Roman Catholic Church had earned their positions and had very little religious experience. Often the only members of the community who were literate were the clergy, thus increasing their control over the common people. The practice of selling indulgences was attacked by a monk named Martin Luther in the early 1500s. Indulgences were used by many church officials as a means of increasing their wealth and prestige. By purchasing an indulgence one was freed from all sin and guaranteed acceptance into Heaven. Luther argued that no one needed to buy entry into Heaven. He believed that people could only achieve salvation through their faith and actions. The Pope's authority was also questioned by Luther, who was convinced that religious questions should be resolved through the words of the Bible and not by the decision of an individual. All of this was laid out in Luther's 95th thesis which he posted on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany ("The Reformation Video"). Martin Luther inspired another thinker of the time who questioned the beliefs of the Church. That man was John Calvin. The Catholic belief during the Renaissance and Reformation was that someone's good deeds help... middle of paper... angelic work among the poor must be accompanied by well-organized social relief work. The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was founded in 1844 by George Williams. Williams, along with 11 friends, was troubled by what he saw on the streets and offered Bible study and prayer to young people seeking refuge from street life. The YMCA was a very different organization than we had seen before. It offered openness to its members of all social classes. The aftermath of the World War period saw the development of the American Legion. Congress formed this organization in 1919. It focused on serving the needs of veterans. Roosevelt III believed it was necessary to promote religiously infused beliefs about the redemptive power of struggle and war. He helped instill religious beliefs into the needs of the nation.