Understanding Counter Reformation Essay - 3694 Words

In order to understand the Counter Reformation one must consider the political factors and motivators behind them as well as the belief factors when examining clashes with the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church during 16th century experienced a reformation that was both politically and belief driven. The Catholic Reformation also known as the Counter Reformation allowed the church to clearly define its position, eliminate unchristian practices and examine its role in world. This paper will address the political motivators of the Counter Reformation, the unchristian practices that fueled corruption and the clearly defined religious concerns of reformers. It will establish that the use of patronage and nepotism ultimately undermined the†¦show more content†¦They saw the church and its leadership filled with corruption and greed. The Renaissance popes who led the church were not spiritual leaders. Those at the top of the clergy were wealthy and lived lavish lifestyles. They indulged in nepotism, power politics and patronage. Furthermore, the priests at the bottom were poor and unable to administer to the multiple parishes in their charge. Thus it can be said that Counter Reformation was a response to a need for clarity in purpose. But also, one can also say that the Counter Reformation was a natural and necessary response to the Protestant reformation. Catholic reform was slow until after the Protestant Revolution began to make serious in roads upon the ancient faith. A variety of Protestant sects had made their ways into almost half the nations of the Europe by the 16th century. Catholics were dismayed by the great increase in unorthodoxy. Many claim that the Counter Reformation was initiated to win back lost souls. Thus it can be said that the Counter Reformation was a response to maintain and gain back the followers. (Bossy) There were a variety of movements that initiated reform within the church. The Catholic Church during the Middles Ages had lost much as a religious institution. During this period ignorance and corruption in the church was insidious. One only has to look at the church leaders in Spain as evidence. Some priest didn’t even understand the Latin in the mass, monks keptShow MoreRelatedSaint Ignatius Loyola And The Spanish Army2008 Words   |  9 Pagesthe 21st century. Nevertheless, the reading of the rules for the order of Christian life within St. Ignatius Loyola’s spiritual exercise document should be read with respect for the Roman Catholic Church , and read with the understanding of the 16th century Counter Reformation, spirituality, and scholastic learning . Saint Ignatius had a small following of six, they all had the plan of moving to the holy land and live within the imitation of Jesus Christ himself, and to work on the conversion ofRead MoreMassacre Of The Innocents By Peter Paul1415 Words   |  6 Pagesto it’s audiences, this is because of the Counter reformation, and religious turmoil that happened in Europe during this time. Counter Reformation took place after the Protestant Reformation (1517-1550), it was the government, and the church’s attempt to re catholicize people , and bring them back to church during this time the counter reformation art theory was invented. In 17th century baroque art formed itself under the influence of counter reformation art theory. The Tridentine church used artRead MoreCauses Of The Protestant Reformation1635 Words   |  7 PagesThe Protestant Reformation was the 16th-century religious movement that took place in the Western church. 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After this happened is when Italy started to decline. 4.Social and political conflict led to the society and religion: The reformation broke out first in the free imperial cities of Germany, Switzerland and the basic tenets of Lutheran and Zwinglian Protestantism remained visible in subsequent protestant movements. The protestant reformation occurred at a time of sharp conflict between the emerging nation-states of Europe bent within their realms and the self-governing towns andRead MoreMartin Luther Essay1557 Words   |  7 Pagesteachings inspired the Protestant Reformation and deeply influenced the doctrines of Protestant and other Christian traditions. Martin Luther was born to Hans and Margaretha Luther on 10 November 1483 in Eisleben, Germany and was baptised the next day on the feast of St. Martin of Tours, after whom he was named. 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