Protestant Reformation is the name given to the historical period when, from the break with the Catholic Church, several Christian churches such as the Lutheran, Anglican, Calvinist, among others, emerged.
For its part, the Counter-Reformation is the set of measures that the Catholic Church took to contain the advance of Protestantism. The term, however, is falling into disuse and the term “Catholic Reformation” is currently preferred.
Summary on the Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was started by Martin Luther (1483-1546), a theologian who criticized certain Church practices such as the sale of indulgences.
Revolted, Luther wrote in a document that he would go down in history with the name of “95 Theses” for his students to debate in class. There, he questioned the power of the Pope and the effectiveness of indulgences.
Initially, the Catholic Church treated the issue as if it were yet another theological discussion among university students. However, thanks to the diffusion of the press, Luther's ideas circulated quickly.
Therefore, in 1520, Pope Leo X demanded the retraction of Luther, who refused to do so. The following year, Emperor Charles V convened the "Diet of Worms", a gathering of Germanic princes who considered the monk a heretic.
Although persecuted for his ideas, part of the German nobility began to sympathize with Luther. These were people who also wanted the renewal of the Catholic Church.
However, Emperor Charles V did not admit dissent in his domains and began waging wars against those who supported the Lutherans. The conflicts only ended in 1555, for the "Peace of Augsburg". This agreement determined that each ruler within the Holy Empire could choose his religion and that of his subjects.
Expansion of the Protestant Reformation
From Germany, Lutheran ideas reached France, the Netherlands, England and the Scandinavian countries.
In these countries, the influence of the Frenchman Jean Calvin was decisive. Belonging to the bourgeoisie and influenced by Humanism and the Lutheran theses, Calvino became an ardent defender of new ideas.
Persecuted by the Church and the government in France, Calvin takes refuge in Geneva, Switzerland, where his ideas will have a great reception.
In England, King Henry VIII needed a male heir to secure the throne. As the Catholic Church does not recognize divorce, the English sovereign broke with Rome in order to remarry.
The consequences of his gesture caused a political earthquake in the country. From one moment to the next, Catholics were deprived of their churches and religious of their monasteries, thus initiating religious persecution.
Counter-Reformation or the Catholic Reformation
The Counter-Reformation or the Catholic Reformation is the set of actions that the Catholic Church took to renew itself.
With the changes brought about in the transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age, Catholics wanted a more interior spirituality and a less corrupt church.
Humanist and scientistic ideas criticized the way of life of the clergy and questioned Christian dogmas. This required a response from the Catholic Church.
In this way, thinkers such as Erasmo de Rotterdam, Juan de la Cruz, Tereza d'Ávila, Inácio de Loyola, Vicente de Paulo, among others, emerge, who defend a church focused on the most needy and not on power.
As a result, there will be a major reform in the contemplative religious orders and the creation of congregations, such as the Jesuits and Vincentians, focused on the education and reception of the poor.
See also :Counter-Reformation
Council of Trent
The Council of Trent was Catholicism's response to the Protestant Reformation.
Held in 25 plenary sessions in the city of Trento, the Catholic Church reaffirmed its doctrine, but also adopted major changes that influenced the following centuries.
The Church's exclusivity in interpreting the Scriptures was maintained, the doctrine of transubstantiation was reaffirmed; of the seven sacraments, the doctrine of grace and original sin. It confirmed clerical celibacy and the cult of saints, relics and images.
In relation to the clergy, seminaries were created, the obligation of bishops to live in their dioceses was established, the sale of ecclesiastical offices was prohibited and measures were taken to prevent the commercialization of indulgences.
See also :Council of Trent
Consequences of the Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation changed the Christian religion and European politics.
It is important to note that intolerance and religious persecution occurred both in countries with a Catholic majority and in Protestant countries.
In the political field, where the Protestant Reformation triumphed, the State started to have an influence on the Church and could interfere in its functioning. In some cases, as in England or Sweden, the monarchs became also the heads of the national Church.
For its part, the Catholic Church underwent a transformation. More attention was given to the formation and morality of the clergy, to the teaching of doctrine and to the valorization of religious life focused on the education and care of the sick.
We have more texts on the topic for you :
- Protestant Reformation
- What is Humanism?
- Martin Luther
- John Calvin
- Calvinism
- Exercises on the Protestant Reformation
Bibliographic References
Delumeau, Jean - La Reforma . Col.Nueva Clio - the history and its problems. Barcelona. Editorial Labor:1985.
The Diet of Worms published in "Descubrir la Historia.es". Consulted on 11.20.2020.