The Counter-Reformation orCatholic Reformation , was a movement to restructure the Catholic Church that culminated in 1545 with the Council of Trent.
Its aim was to reform the Catholic Church itself and give a response to the Protestantism that was taking place in the Holy Roman Empire.
The Catholic Reformation took place at a time of profound social and political changes. The feudal world was disappearing little by little, new lands were discovered in America and the bourgeoisie rose as a new social stratum.
Equally, humanist and scientificist ideas harshly criticized the way of life of the clergy, and questioned Christian dogmas. This required a response from the Catholic Church to these new times.
In this way, thinkers such as Erasmo de Rotterdam, Juan de la Cruz, Tereza d'Ávila, Vicente de Paulo, among others, emerge, who defend a church focused on the most needy and not on power. As a result, there will be a major reform in the contemplative religious orders and the creation of congregations, like the Vincentians, focused on the education and reception of the poor.
The arrival of Europeans in America also raised the need for a mission-oriented order. In this sense, the Society of Jesus stands out, whose members were known as Jesuits in 1534.
Thus, the Catholic reform is characterized by reviewing spiritual and administrative aspects of the Catholic Church, in addition to rebutting Luther's ideas. For this to be possible, it was necessary to convene a council.
Council of Trent
Between 1545 and 1563, religious and theologians met in council in the city of Trento, located today in Italy.
First of all, what is a Council? It is a meeting of bishops of the Catholic Church convened by the Pope when a serious question about the faith arises.
In this way, the Council of Trent brought together representatives of the Catholic Church from all over Europe, the Orthodox Churches and Protestant theologians.
One of the characteristics of the council was to reaffirm dogmas rejected by Martin Luther, such as the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the veneration of the saints, the validity of the sacraments and the Oral Tradition.
However, other decisions of an administrative nature were taken, such as the obligation for bishops to reside in their dioceses, the creation of seminaries for those who wished to follow the priestly life and the prohibition of the sale of indulgences.
In the same way, the Tribunal do Santo Oficio, better known as the Inquisition, created in the twelfth century, was reactivated. This court would judge heretics, according to the view of the Catholic Church.
Likewise, the Index Librorum Prohibitorum was created (Index of Prohibited Books), which consisted of a list of books considered immoral or unfaithful by the Church. The copies would be burned, their creators persecuted and whoever owned them would be prosecuted.
In order to revitalize catechesis both in Europe and America, the Society of Jesus, created by Ignatius of Loyola, was fundamental within the Catholic Reformation, because through teaching and missions, they spread the Catholic faith.
Protestant Reformation
The Catholic Church was being discredited and was losing adherents, especially in England, France and Germany.
All this happened when Martin Luther published the “95 Theses”, in 1517, a text prepared for public discussion and which consisted of a critique of Catholicism.
Its rapid dissemination, through the printing and distribution of copies by his students, gave rise to another strand of Christianity, Lutheranism, the first doctrine of Protestantism. Anglican, in 1534.
These ideas spread to countries such as England, the Holy Roman Empire, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Scandinavia, changing Christianity forever.
Catholic Reformation or Counter-Reformation?
The concept of counter-reformation has changed over time. In the past, this fact was only interpreted as a reaction of the Catholic Church to Luther's ideas.
For a long time, however, several members of the Catholic Church had called for a review of certain practices carried out by the Church. Therefore, several voices asked for the convoking of a council.
Today, historians characterize this phenomenon as the Catholic Reformation and not just a counter-reformation. After all, the purpose of the Council of Trent was not just to give an answer to Luther and his followers.
Thus, Pope Paul III convened the Council of Trent, which lasted 18 years and became the longest religious assembly in history. On the occasion, various doctrinal problems were discussed, and decisions were taken that aimed to strengthen the power of the Pope and, consequently, of the Church.
We have more texts on this subject for you :
- Company of Jesus - Jesuit Order
- Protestant Reformation
- Council of Trent
- Protestant Reformation and Counter-Reformation
- Exercises on the Protestant Reformation