The Age Of Renaissance

As the Age of Renaissance began to emerge, the old systems of feudalism began to weaken (Wolfe 4). Some of the beliefs behind Renaissance individuals included the notion that it was time to break free from past theories (1). This included a more secular approach to the studies of life, rather than past theologies or religious upbringings (1). One of the major reasons that led to broader interests of earthly pleasures, was due to the problems that arose within the Roman Church (1). Renaissance scholars were encouraged by the corruptions of the church to explore different avenues than previous medieval scholastics (2). This allowed scholars to “re-birth” their cultural learnings and challenge the authority of the Roman Church, that ultimately

As criticism continued into the Renaissance Age, Popes began to fear the loss of their power, leading to the renewal of the papal bull Unam Sanctam (Wolfe 8). In 1516, Pope Leo X renewed the principles found in the original Unam Sanctam, and reiterated how salvation could only be obtained by submitting to the authority of the Pope of Rome (1). He stated how “The pope alone has the power, right, and full authority, extending beyond that of all councils, to call, adjourn, and dissolve the councils.” (1) Once again, the Pope valiantly stands on the belief that the scriptures, and God Himself, will testify to this fact (1). Pope Leo X ends his declaration by expressing his desire for unity and the power of the church to be recognized as the supreme authority given to the Pope alone

Both movements focused on the individual’s salvation and disputed the hierarchy of the Catholic Church (10). Humanists focused more on an individual’s ability to reach excellence and less on other truths found in Christianity, such as sin (6). They felt the Protestant Reformers focused too much on religious issues, so their movement emphasized human potential (10). The Reformation continued to grow however, as the townspeople witnessed for themselves the behavior of bishops in their own cities (11). It was obvious that many bishops enjoyed their privileged power within the clerical offices, rather than people’s spiritual wellness (11). As nation-states began to grow and strengthen secular rulers protected the Protestant Reformers against the Pope, because they too began to criticize the Pope’s authority (11). These movements, along with the organized teachings of Lutheranism, allowed for the spreading of multiple devotions within different churches for Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Protestantism