What impact did the Enlightenment have on religion?

The Enlightenment significantly impacted religion by fostering a climate of increased secularism and encouraging individuals to question traditional religious authorities. Thinkers of this era emphasized reason, individualism, and empirical evidence over faith and dogma, which naturally led to challenges against established religious doctrines and institutions. This intellectual movement paved the way for the idea that human beings could understand the world through reason, rather than solely relying on religious explanations.

The questioning of authority was a key characteristic of the Enlightenment, as philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau advocated for freedom of thought and expression, often critiquing the power of the church and its influence on government and daily life. This shift did not lead to an outright rejection of religion by all, but it certainly encouraged a more questioning attitude and a push for religious tolerance alongside a broader acceptance of secular governance.

In contrast, the other options imply a strengthening of traditional religious practices or the escalation of conflicts rooted in faith, which does not accurately reflect the overarching trends brought about by Enlightenment thought. The period's focus was on fostering a more rational and empirical worldview that often stood in opposition to the previously unchallenged authority of religious institutions.