Final answer:
Most Protestant churches encourage individuals to read and interpret scripture, which is rooted in the principle of scriptural authority established during the Reformation. They often hold services in the vernacular and do not typically have celibate clergy, contrasting with some traditions of the Catholic Church. Interpretations of scripture can vary, with a literal understanding not universally rejected.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most Protestant churches encourage individuals to read scripture. This is a hallmark of Protestant belief, emphasizing scriptural authority over traditional Church authority. The practice of encouraging individuals to engage with the Bible directly stems from the Reformation period when reformers like Martin Luther advocated for personal interpretation of scriptures instead of relying on clergy as the sole interpreters.
In contrast to certain traditions like celibacy among priests and performing services in Latin, which are more associated with the Catholic Church, Protestant churches generally do not have celibate clergy and often conduct services in the vernacular, making them accessible to the congregation. Furthermore, while Protestants value the Bible, many do not reject a literal interpretation of scriptures but instead may interpret them contextually or metaphorically, depending on the denomination.
The translation of the Bible into vernacular languages was a significant historical moment that allowed more people to access scripture. For instance, William Tyndale's English translation of the Bible was inspired by the desire to make scripture available in the language of the people, which is a value shared by most Protestant denominations.