What invention significantly facilitated the spread of Reformation ideas?

The invention that significantly facilitated the spread of Reformation ideas is the printing press. This revolutionary technology, developed by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, enabled the mass production of literature, including pamphlets, books, and religious texts. As a result, ideas could be disseminated quickly and widely across Europe, reaching a much larger audience than ever before.

During the Reformation, figures like Martin Luther utilized the printing press to circulate his 95 Theses and other writings that challenged the Catholic Church's teachings and practices. The ability to print these texts in vernacular languages made them accessible to ordinary people, igniting discussions and debates about faith and religion. This rapid circulation of Reformation ideas played a critical role in transforming the religious landscape of the time, as it encouraged individuals to read, interpret, and question traditional doctrines.

While the other inventions mentioned, such as the compass and telescope, contributed to advancements in navigation and science, they did not directly influence the religious reforms or the spread of Reformation ideas. The typewriter, developed much later, also did not exist during the Reformation period and thus had no impact on the distribution of ideas during that era.