What divided Protestants from Rome in the sixteenth century was seen by both sides as a matter of eternal significance. Luther’s conviction that sola fide was the article upon which the Church stands or falls was countered by the Tridentine conclusion that the Reformation doctrine of justification was worthy of the anathema of the church. Both sides were playing for keeps. Both sides were convinced that the very essence of the gospel was at stake. The issue and division was real and lasting. The