Overview
This lecture covers the Catholic Reformation (Counter-Reformation), examining the Catholic Church's response to Protestantism, its global impact, and the era's artistic and educational developments.
Catholic Reformation and the Council of Trent
- The Catholic Church initiated reforms in response to Protestant challenges, starting under Pope Paul III.
- The Council of Trent (1545–1563) reaffirmed Catholic doctrines and rejected compromise with Protestantism.
- Key Council decisions: affirmed transubstantiation, upheld seven sacraments, maintained clerical celibacy, and kept the practice of selling indulgences.
- The Inquisition was expanded to target Protestant heresies in Europe and the New World.
- Seminaries were established for better priestly education, addressing Protestant criticisms.
- The Papal Index was created to ban certain books, increasing Church control over knowledge.
- The Church further regulated marriage, expanding its influence in daily life.
The Rise of the Jesuits
- Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1540 to fortify Catholicism.
- The Jesuits operated with military discipline and rigorous training.
- They established schools combining humanistic and religious education to counter Protestant literacy efforts.
- Jesuits played a major role in globalizing Catholicism through missionary work in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- They adapted to local cultures, learned languages, and sometimes integrated local beliefs to ease conversion.
Impact of Catholic Globalization and Education
- Jesuit reports contributed to globalization and brought knowledge (e.g., porcelain-making) back to Europe.
- Jesuit-run schools shaped perspectives and spread Catholic teachings worldwide.
Female Religious Reformers and Mysticism
- Saint Teresa of Avila reformed the Carmelite order, emphasizing austerity and strict religious practice.
- Teresa promoted self-flagellation and wrote influential spiritual works, inspiring Catholics globally.
Catholic Art and Baroque Style
- The Council of Trent promoted art that connected emotionally with the masses and emphasized divine majesty.
- Baroque art and music used drama, contrast, and emotional intensity to inspire awe and devotion.
- Artists like Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Artemisia Gentileschi embodied Counter-Reformation ideals in their dramatic works.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Council of Trent — A series of Church meetings (1545–1563) to address Protestant challenges and reform Catholic practices.
- Transubstantiation — The belief that bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ during communion.
- Society of Jesus (Jesuits) — A Catholic order founded by Ignatius of Loyola, focused on education and global missionary work.
- Papal Index — A list of prohibited books that Catholics were forbidden to read.
- Baroque — An artistic style characterized by drama, movement, and emotional intensity, used to promote Catholic ideals.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for next week's topic on witchcraft, magic, and alternative belief systems in early modern Europe.