What role did the Protestant Reformation play in the rise of Absolutism?

The Protestant Reformation played a significant role in the rise of Absolutism by making people look to kings for safety during conflicts. This religious upheaval led to a series of wars and confrontations between Protestant and Catholic states, which often resulted in civil unrest and societal instability. In this context, individuals sought out strong leaders who could provide order and security.

Kings and monarchs capitalized on these fears by asserting their authority as defenders of the realm and by promoting the idea that they were divinely sanctioned to maintain peace and prevent the chaos associated with religious conflict. This reliance on strong, centralized power contributed to the development of absolutism, where monarchs held extensive powers, often justified by the belief that they were necessary to protect their subjects from the dangers posed by religious strife.

While the other options suggest various interpretations of the relationship between the Protestant Reformation and political power, they do not capture the central dynamic of seeking security under strong governance during a period of significant turmoil.