REL 330 - History of Christianity
Course Notes
Factors leading to the Reformation
During the period covered by this section, there were developments within the Western world which started the movement towards the Reformation :
- The Crusades opened the eyes of the West to aspects of civilization in the East - architecture (eg. the Gothic arch), medicine, literature, languages
- The development of Universities - learning became more accessible. Scholars and students were able to travel all over Europe, and attend any University. All classes were given in Latin, so students could study in any country. There was a free exchange of ideas, and it was less easy for a King or the Church to censor what was taught
- Tensions between the Church (the Pope) and secular leaders such as Kings
- A growing willingness to question authority. With rival Popes, both claiming to be the supreme authority, and both excommunicating each other and anyone who did not acknowledge them, everyone in Europe had been excommunicated at least once, so excommunication had lost its effect
- A call to a simpler life-style, of poverty, chastity, and obedience, as marks of a member of the Church, rather than the great riches and power associated with Archbishops, Cardinals, and the Pope
- A growing recognition of the importance of the Scriptures. More people becoming literate, reading portions of the Scriptures, comparing what they read to the way some of the religious authorities behaved.
- The Black Death, with about one third of the population of Europe dying suddenly. There was a shortage of labor, the feudal system began to break down, laborers moved to the towns where there were better opportunities and higher wages. The Black Death also led to a questioning of religious rites and the authority of the Church - people had prayed, had given money to the Church, but were still struck down by the Plague
- The invention of printing, with moveable type, and the introduction of the Printing Press (eg. 1470 - in the Sorbonne in Paris; 1474 - Caxton printed the first book in English; 1477 - Caxton printed Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales"). Books became more accessible. The production of Bibles was no longer under the control of the Church
Copyright © 2005 Shirley J. Rollinson, all Rights Reserved
