The Counter Reformation and the Catholic Church The introduction of Martin Luther and John Calvin in the 16th century brought with it the beginning of the Reformation. The Catholic Church’s response to the Reformation demonstrated the Church’s reaction to Renaissance overall. The Catholic Church needed to draw away all the negativity with a Counter Reformation. To differentiate itself and condemn the principles of Protestantism, Pope Paul III created a council known as the Council of Trent. Also, the Jesuits combined the ideas of traditional monastic discipline with a dedication to teach and preach. For the Catholic Church to remain strong, many changes were needed. A change was needed, else the Church's power and the influence …show more content…
Prompted by the Protestant Reformation, the Council of Trent was described as the personification of the Counter-Reformation. As mentioned in Document 5, “It is the church’s position to interpret holy Scriptures. Those who break these laws shall be punished with the penalties by law established.” The Council persecuted those who disobeyed and went against the official doctrine of the church. The clergy were overly strict about their imposed laws to prevent even more followers from breaking away from the Church at that time. Luther's impact can be seen here, as well, since he told people to read the bible for themselves, which was exactly what the church didn't want. The Church feared any sort of threat that could rise against them. As Document 4 states, “I recognize the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Roman Church as the Mother and mistress of all churches; and I vow and swear true obedience to the Roman …show more content…
Religion especially was one of their main concerns. The pope was in charge of what the Society of Jesus believed, as stated in Document 1, “All the members shall realize that this society is fighting for God under faithful obedience to one most holy lord and the pope.” Whatever the pope kept telling the people must have been true because that’s what God wanted, since he was the one with the direct connection with God. The Counter Reformation could also be seen as a political movement because of all the laws that were enforced on the people, similar to a