Renaissance and Reformation 1450 1600 Differences Between Now

Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Differences Between Now and Then • Local control of politics; central institutions were weak • Hierarchical Nature of Society • Tradition and Religion • Great danger from disease, poor hygiene, famine, natural disaster, war, violence Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Religion: Powerful Force • Belief in the devil, hell, and a punishing God were powerful forces • Thinkers of the Renaissance and Reformation would challenge some of these beliefs • Religion guided leaders which also split nations eg. Elizabeth I, Henry VIII Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Beliefs of Witchcraft • In 1494 Pope Innocent VIII asked friars to examine witchcraft activities; published a book encouraging Christians to hunt and kill suspected witches • Suspected witches were asked in court to strip to look for any moles as a sign of the devil • In early to late 1500’s thousands of people were burned at the stake, 80% of whom were women • Both Protestants and Catholics took part in it Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Medieval versus Renaissance Worldview Renaissance Medieval View • Idea of a Divine Plan • Importance and Hierarchy of the Pope • Dualism: Spirit vs. Matter • Providence • Overriding concept: Humanism • Importance, return and restoration of classical texts, arts, literature and drama from Greek and Roman Period Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Protestant Reformation Defined: Reformation, was a spiritual/religious revolution that aimed to correct the “problems” of the Catholic Church and sparked a century and a half of religious civil war. It resulted in the establishment of the Protestant branches of Christianity- e. g. Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism etc Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Causes of Protestant Reformation • Anti-Clericalism • An appetite for spiritual experience • Reliance of church interpretation ended with return to original sources • Martin Luther's 95 Theses Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Martin Luther’s Actions • Martin Luther was originally training to be become a lawyer, believed strongly in the devil and God’s will; he became a priest because of the fear of dying during a thunderstorm • In 1507 he became a priest with constant fear of the devil trying to take over his thoughts • He was sent to Rome by his main advisor Fr. Johann Staupitz to deliver some letters which exposed him to the practice of paying for indulgences and realized this was not God’s will Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Martin’s Revolution • Father Staupitz sent him to become a university professor of theology at Frederick the Wise’s University of Wittenberg in 1510 • He focused on the apostle Paul’s letters to the Romans concerning the righteousness of God which included his belief that anyone who had faith could rise to heaven whereas the Church had always taught the only way to go to heaven is through good deeds • Religious doctrine was only to be told to people, not interpreted by them Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Indulgences • Indulgences were a way for people to get themselves or their relatives out of purgatory by paying money to the church so they could raise St. Peter’s Square; it was a way for one’s guilt on earth to be reduced when trying to go to heaven • Luther was for the idea that God will forgive anyone who has faith in Him and wrote the 95 theses which he posted on the door of the church in Wittenberg: He bravely asked the question: Why doesn’t the Pope pay for St. Peter’s Square out of his own money? Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Martin’s Influence on Europe • Once his theses were posted in 1517 they became published and spread throughout Germany; the authorities soon became aware of his ideas and quickly tried to put a stop to them • The University’s owner and the prince of Wittenberg (one of the electors of the Holy Roman Emperor) protected Martin Luther by insisting the hearing with Luther would take place in Wittenberg and not in Rome for fear of his life there • Luther was told to recant his ideas and apologize or be charged with heresy; what happened next is part of the bravery and stubborness of Luther, setting up his own revolution and a series of events to continue into the next century and until today Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Henry VIII, King of England • Since 1527, King Henry had been trying to get a divorce with his wife Queen Catherine of Aragon • He wanted a new wife since they only had one daughter, Mary and wanted a son • Pope Clement happened to be the nephew of Catherine so he wouldn’t grant the annulement and wanted to marry Ann Boleyn • A priest named Thomas Cranmer suggested the universities could rule on the divorce which they granted to King Henry VIII and he got married with Ann in 1533 Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

The Anglican Church • The King’s assistant, Thomas Cromwell suggested that the King break from the Church in Rome and create his own, based in England (Anglican) • He would become the supreme head of the Anglican Church and it would make England more powerful • The death of a merchant for non payment of a funeral at the hands of the bishop lead some to support this break and many Catholics were chased out of England with the threat of death Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Counter Reformation • Actions taken by Catholic Church to counteract the impact of Protestant Reformation • Includes: Council of Trent, Roman Inquisition, Index of Prohibited Books, creation of religious orders Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Council of Trent (1546 - 1563) • All medieval church law was valid and important • Latin would remain official language • Re-emphasized the importance of “good works” and “faith” • No new definition of sacraments Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Other Actions taken by Catholic Church • Roman Inquisition- a tribunal designed to find heretics and bring them to justice • Roman Index of Prohibited Books- a process of reviewing and censoring books • The founding of Religious Orders devoted to teaching, propaganda, and social services, e. g. - Jesuits Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

When the Dust Settles: Catholicism vs. Protestantism • Scripture interpreted by wisdom • Good Works and Faith • 7 Sacraments • Stick with Latin • Clergy must be celibate and chaste • Purgatory is real • Honour Saints • Scripture as you read it • Faith Alone • 2 Sacraments- Eucharist, Baptism • Language of the people • Clergy could marry • Go to Heaven or Hell • Criticized Honouring Saints Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600

Renaissance and Reformation 1450 -1600