Highlights for This Unit

The Three Themes

1. Dis-integration

   • Not a disappearance of religion but its transition from public to private realms.

2. Church and State

   • The ongoing interaction between organized religion and state structures.
   • Comparison of various nations as explored in the course.

3. The Other

   • Interaction of dominant religions with culturally, religiously, and ethically different groups.
   • Example: European contact with indigenous peoples in North America.
   • Question: What happens when different religions/ethnicities coexist?

Key Terms

• Modern
• Religion
• Society
• Religio
• Spiritus

Course Structure

• Introduction to themes and their implications on religion and society.
• Focus on Western Christianity, with brief insights into Eastern Christianity and Judaism.
• Geographical focus: British Isles, North America, and parts of Europe.

Traditional Religion: A Brief History

• World of 1500: Predominantly Roman Catholic Europe with emerging monarchies.
• Rise of Christianity: From a small Jewish sect to the official religion of the Roman Empire.
• Eastern & Western Developments: Split between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions.

Reformation Summarized

• Initiated by Martin Luther's 95 Theses in 1517.
• Shift from a sensory, ritualistic Catholicism to a narrative and logic-based Protestantism.
• Introduction of the printing press facilitating widespread literacy and reform.
• New churches emerged from different interpretations of the Bible.

Cast of Characters of the Reformation

• Martin Luther and his impact on the Protestant Reformation.
• Other reformers and the role of local rulers in determining the church's direction.

Theology: Calvinism and Arminianism

• Brief overview of theological differences and their significance during the Reformation.

Introduction to "Themes"

• Focus on the experiential aspect of religion for believers and practitioners.

Additional Notes

• Modern Era: Defined from 1450-present, marking significant changes in Western religions.
• Religion and Society: Explored through the practices and beliefs in the community.
• Impact of Printing: Movement of ideas and literacy broadened the scope for reforms.
• Role of the Church: Shifted from a central power to a component of personal spirituality.