Lecture Notes: Belief Systems in Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

Overview

• Belief systems can both unify and divide empires.
• Focus on Christianity and Islam during the Golden Age of land-based empires.
• Religion supported and challenged imperial power.

Christianity in Europe

• Christianity dominant in Europe since the 4th century.
• Provided cultural unity across Europe despite political divisions.
• Major Split in 11th century:
  • Eastern Orthodox Church (East)
  • Roman Catholic Church (West)
• Catholic Church's Power by 1500:
  • Wealthy and influential, building structures like St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • Funded projects through sale of indulgences and simony (selling church positions).

Protestant Reformation

• Martin Luther:
  • Catholic monk who criticized church practices.
  • Wrote 95 Theses against the sale of indulgences and corruption.
  • Excommunicated, but sparked the Protestant Reformation.
• Role of the Printing Press:
  • Enabled rapid spread of Luther’s ideas.

Catholic Reformation

• Also known as the Counter-Reformation.
• Catholic Church reformed some corrupt practices.
• Held the Council of Trent:
  • Reaffirmed doctrines like salvation by faith and works.
  • Declared Luther a heretic.
• Religious and political divisions led to wars until 1648.

Islam in the Middle East

• Major Empires: Ottoman Empire (Sunni) and Safavid Empire (Shia).
• Historical Split:
  • Originated in 7th century over succession of Prophet Muhammad.
  • Sunni and Shia divisions intensified due to political rivalry.
• Ottoman Empire emerged victorious in conflicts.

Religious Development in South Asia

• Muslim rule over a Hindu majority in South Asia.
• Emergence of two movements:
  • Bhakti Movement:
    • Originated in 7th century, emphasized mystical union with Hindu gods.
    • Shared similarities with Islamic Sufism, leading to blending.
  • Sikhism:
    • Blended elements of Islam and Hinduism.
    • Retained beliefs in one God and reincarnation, discarded caste system and gender hierarchies.

Conclusion

• Belief systems significantly impacted the political and cultural landscapes of empires from 1450 to 1750.
• Religious shifts influenced both internal dynamics and external conflicts.