The Reformation And Counter Reformation
The
term Reformation refers to a great religious reform movement in Europe during
16th century. There was a big protest against the Christian Church
in different parts of Europe and it ultimately resulted in the emergence of
Protestant Christian religion. This great religious movement was not only the
evidence of a great religious change, but also proclaimed the dawn of a new
era. The Reformation started in Germany and later it spread to other countries.
Causes for the Reformation
There are
several causes for the Reformation.
The Christian Church
under the Pope was originally commanded respect among the people. But in the
Middle ages, it had become a big feudal institution and possessed so much of
lands and wealth. The Popes enjoyed great political influence and interfered
into the political affairs. As a result they began to neglect their spiritual
duties. The Pope and the clergy began to lead luxurious lives. The Popes like
Alexander VI, Julius II and Leo X who lived in 15th and 16th
centuries with their activities undermined the respect and prestige of the
Church.
The Renaissance movement created a spirit of inquiry among the masses.
They began to read the Bible and
realized that the activities of the Church and the clergy were not according to
the precepts of the holy book. In the years preceding the Reformation, many
writers condemned luxurious and superstitious practices prevalent in the
Church. John Wycliffe (1330-1384) from England criticized the Pope for his
authority and misdeeds. He translated the Bible
into English. He is considered 'the Morning Star of the Reformation. Erasmus (1466-1536)
attacked the superstitions followed by the clergy in his book In Praise of Folly. It was published in
1509. John Huss (1369-1415), a Bohemian, struggled for reforming the Church.
But he was condemned for his writings against the Church and burnt to death.
These early efforts to reform the
Church sowed the seeds for the Reformation of
the 16th century.
The emergence of nation-states in Europe eroded
the political influence enjoyed by the Church during the Middle Ages. The Pope
and the Emperor lost their influence and power. The people began to respect
their king and the nation. Therefore, the concept of Universal Church slowly
gave way to national churches.
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