Religious Transformation: Medieval to Modern Eras

Posted on Jun 25, 2025 in Religion

Theocentric Society: Medieval Age

Society in the Medieval Age was theocentric, explaining everything through the power of God and divine forces. The basic objectives were work and service to God, each from their estate. All life was centered on God’s will, expressed in the Bible and interpreted by ecclesiastical authority, especially the Pope. Science and art aimed to explain the action of God. Christian thought was universal and unique.

Anthropocentric Society: Modern Age

In the Modern Age, society became anthropocentric. The most important aspect was the autonomy of the person, which referred to philosophical, theological, and scientific knowledge. The primary objectives were improving lives and meeting daily human needs. This period accentuated the ambiguity and complexity of human life, marked by the dominance of individualism, subjectivism, nationalism, secularism, and secularization. There was a strong interest in science and the arts. Christian thought became plural.

Causes of the Protestant Reformation

  • Disorientation and discomfort caused by the Western Schism.
  • Poor pastoral care by popes regarding their responsibilities.
  • Papal fundraising for the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • The sale of indulgences.
  • Impoverished, ignorant, and lax clergy.
  • Poor religious education for the laity.
  • Humanist critiques in universities.

Martin Luther and the Ninety-Five Theses

Martin Luther published his famous Ninety-Five Theses against the Catholic Church. His core beliefs included:

  • The goodness of God is what saves, not human works.
  • He rejected the tradition of the Church as a meeting place with God and, consequently, the lessons derived from it.
  • He rejected certain means to salvation and sought to nullify the cults of the Virgin Mary and saints.
  • He reduced the sacraments to three: Baptism, Communion, and Penance.
  • He attached great importance to the Word of God, which he translated into German.
  • He believed every individual had the right to read and interpret the Word of God.

Pope Leo X and Luther’s Excommunication

Pope Leo X condemned Luther’s theses. In January 1521, Luther was excommunicated, leading to the establishment of a Protestant Church.

John Calvin’s Contributions

John Calvin is considered the second father of the Protestant Reformation. He added two key Protestant tenets:

  • God is the absolute sovereign of all human beings.
  • Predestination: God not only saves but has already decided in advance the destiny of people.

The Rise of Anglicanism

Anglicanism was born from a political and ecclesiastical schism led by King Henry VIII of England and Pope Clement VII. It took root in England.

Catholic Church Renewal Efforts (Pre-Trent)

Before the 15th century, a desire for renewal within the Catholic Church was perceived, evidenced by:

  • The emergence of fraternities and sororities in Italy.
  • A return to primitive observance by many religious orders and the emergence of new orders.
  • Deep dedication by some bishops to their dioceses.
  • Christian humanists proposing models to reclaim the Gospel of Jesus and a more simple and personal religious practice.

The Pope and the Curia, however, were not actively involved in these early efforts. The dissemination of Protestant tenets, however, ultimately led to the convening of the Council of Trent.

The Council of Trent (1545-1563)

Convened by Pope Paul III between 1545 and 1563, the Council of Trent aimed to:

  • Update and clarify Catholic doctrine.
  • Renew the pastoral life of the Church.

Key Reforms and Doctrines of Trent

Episcopal Reforms

  • Required residence in the diocese.
  • Mandated pastoral visits.
  • Required periodic visits to Rome.

Clergy Training and Seminaries

  • Creation of seminaries for their training.

Liturgical Standardization

  • Standardization of the Eucharistic rite as the Tridentine Mass.

Doctrinal Affirmations

  • Definition of Scripture and Tradition as sources of the Christian message.
  • Reaffirmation of the Creed.
  • Establishment of the dogma of original sin.
  • Affirmation that God grants saving grace, and humans must freely collaborate.

Monastic Orders Reform

  • Monastic orders were reformed with demands for community life and enclosure.