Comparing Renaissance, Reformation, And Roman Catholic Church

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Renaissance, Reformation, and Roman Catholic Church Essay The Renaissance and Reformation movements were two of the most significant events in European history, bringing about significant changes in the religious, social, and cultural spheres of society. These movements were characterized by their criticism of the medieval understanding of God and the Church and their attempts to reform and renew the Church. However, the Renaissance, Reformation, and Roman Catholic views of the Church were distinct and differed in their understanding of ultimate authority in the Church and rituals/practices, key issues for religious reform, and the role of the Church in society. One of the primary differences between these movements was their understanding of ultimate authority in the Church. The Renaissance was marked by the revival of classical learning and the emphasis on humanism, which placed greater emphasis on the individual and the pursuit of knowledge. This emphasis on individualism extended to the Church, where some scholars and humanists sought to challenge the authority of the Church and …show more content…

The Renaissance focused on reforming the Church from within, promoting the renewal of the Church's intellectual and artistic life, and promoting greater education and learning among the clergy. Humanist scholars such as Erasmus believed that the Church needed to return to its roots and focus on the study of the Bible and the early Church Fathers. In contrast, the Reformation sought to fundamentally change the Church's doctrines and practices, rejecting some of the key tenets of medieval Catholicism such as the doctrine of transubstantiation and the veneration of saints. Reformers such as John Calvin believed that the Church needed to return to the simplicity and purity of the early Church. This necessitated a radical break from the Catholic Church's teachings and