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Erik Erickson quoted Anna Freud in his 1958 book “Young Man Luther: A Study in Psychoanalysis and History” that “the period of Reformation was the beginning of the glorification of the ego of common man.” This is when the scriptures were translated into common man’s language and many more people could read and interpret the scriptures for themselves. This created self empowerment.

Actually this problem goes way, way back. Back to the Garden of Eden. It was pride that caused Eve and Adam to succumb to the temptation of being as wise as God.

4The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! 5“For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:4-7 NASB

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The Reformation put the Scriptures into the hands of the average person who could read and understand His Word and how to have a saving faith in Christ.