THE Counter-Reform or Catholic Reformation, was a movement of restructuring of the Catholic Church that culminated in 1545 with the Council of Trent.
His 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 gradually disappeared, new lands were discovered in America and the bourgeoisie rose as a new social layer.
Likewise, humanist and scientific ideas harshly criticized the clergy's way of life 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 aimed at the most needy and not the power. As a result, there will be a major reform in the contemplative religious orders and the creation of congregations, like the Vincentians, aimed at educating and welcoming the poor.
The arrival of Europeans in America also gave rise to 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 replying to 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, currently located in Italy.
First of all, what is a Council? It is a meeting of bishops of the Catholic Church called 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, Orthodox churches and Protestant theologians.
One of the characteristics of the council was to reaffirm dogmas rejected by Martin Luther as the the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the veneration of the saints, the validity of the sacraments and Oral Tradition.
However, other decisions of an administrative nature were taken as the obligation of the 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.
Likewise, the Court of the Holy Office, better known as Inquisition, created in the 12th century. This court would try heretics in the view of the Catholic Church.
Likewise, the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (Forbidden Books Index), which consisted of a list of books considered immoral or contrary to the faith by the Church. The specimens would be burned, their creators persecuted and those who owned them were prosecuted.
In order to revitalize catechesis in both Europe and America, the Society of Jesus, created by Ignatius de Loyola, was fundamental within the Catholic Reformation, because through teaching and missions, they spread the faith Catholic.
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 its students, gave rise to another branch of Christianity, Lutheranism, the first doctrine of Protestantism. At the same time, King Henry VIII of England broke with the Catholic Church and created the Anglican Church 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-reform changed over time. Previously, 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 called for the convening of a council.
Currently, historians characterize this phenomenon as a Catholic Reformation and not just a counter-reform. After all, the aim of the Council of Trent was not just to provide 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 that occasion, various doctrinal problems were discussed, and decisions were taken aimed at strengthening the power of the pope and, consequently, of the Church.
We have more texts on this subject for you:
- Society of Jesus - Jesuit Order
- Protestant Reformation
- Council of Trent
- Protestant Reformation and Counter-Reformation
- Exercises on the Protestant Reformation
