The last post on this thread overlooked that fact that it was the fourth and not third installment on the thread.
Much of this presentation is paraphrasing from the 1000-page Textbook of "Western Civilizations." A third of the book is devoted to the period of "Modern History" from 1500 AD. Readers will note that a lot of the presentation is factual; devoid of the usual "blame religion" writings we see from some, regarding this period of time. Once again, I would encourage readers to do their own reading of the wide literature of this period and to refer or google the works of individuals referred in this article. The following is a bare-bones summation to give readers the flavor of the multitude of events of the historical period. Age of Reformation, extends from 1517 to 1600. In simple terms, reformers were seeking reformation of the Roman Catholic Church. This led to a revolt against the Church. Yet, writers, native or foreign, who view / link the Reformation, Counter-Reformation and Inquisition as purely a religious issue, have either 'tunnel vision' or are just ignorant of the wider historical issues of the period. An understanding of events of this period essentially encompasses of four aspects: I Challenges to theological dogma - led by religious leaders. II. Political changes across Europe - led by kings. III. Economic factors sweeping across Europe - led by the new middle class. IV. Social and population unrest - led by the masses. As mentioned, in the prior postings, many of the issues existed prior to this historical period. Yet these four factors came together in early 1500s in a combination of "Murphy's Law." All that could have happened, did occur at the same time; which made this historical period tumultuous both in Europe and in European colonies. Part I: The need for reformation in the theological concepts and practices of the Church was voiced long before the historical period. The Protestant revolution was a rebellion against the late-medieval system of theology. The reformers were more conservative in their thinking. It is beyond the scope of this presentation to define some of the fundamental concepts where the two groups differed in their theology and (more importantly) the practical effects of these fundamental shifts in religious thoughts. Suffice to say, essentially, there were two different theologies developed within the Medieval Church. The contemporary church (then and now) based their beliefs on the teachings of Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). Humans were endowed by God with the freedom to choose good and avoid evil. To help make and put into practice that choice, the Church, its teachings and its sacraments had the authority to cooperate with God and forgive sins. This was termed "Scholastic theology" or "Thomistic School." The reformers quoted St. Paul (30 -60 A.D) and St. Augustine (around 400 A.D). They claimed an omnipotent God decides whom to save (and who is pre-determined to inherit eternal life). Protestant reformers wanted a return to more primitive Christianity. They included Martin Luther (1483-1546), Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531), John Calvin (1509-1564). They claimed, "the total depravity of humanity predestination and bondage of the will could only be salvaged by an almighty God without help of worldly intermediaries." Protestant revolution was also against the widespread abuses within church practices; and their revolution was couched by some in theological terms. Scholastic theology was promoted by several other reformers such as Savonarola (1452-1498 - Italy); Francisco Jimenez Cisneros (1436-1517), John of God (1495-1550), John of Avila (1500-1569), John of Cross (1542-1591) all in Spain; Francis de Sales (1567-1622) in Switzerland, and others across Europe. Most were ascetic priests who had quite a following among the poor masses. Yet the nobility and in some cases the official church, found their teaching too confining and rigorous. A few of these ascetics (undertook life of prayers, fasting, penance, and poverty etc.) priests and nuns were brought before the Inquisition for their mysticism; and some like Savonarola were burnt at the stake. Most historians opine if the official Church had listened to these ascetics of the late 1400s, the reformation split would not be needed and not have occurred. And there would be no need for Counter-Reformation reforms. The Catholic Church end-up reforming itself in the landmark Council of Trent (1545-1563) under the aegis of three popes Paul III, Julius III and Pius IV. This meeting and changes to practices introduced by following popes brought about some lasting Church reforms; till Vatican II upgraded the practices in its meeting in 1962-1965. Part II: Protestant Reformation as a political movement: (Next)
