Pre-Reformation Criticisms of the Catholic Church

An English theologian who lived in the 14th century and advocated for translating the Bible into English so ordinary people could read it. He also criticized the Catholic Church's wealth and corruption.

A Czech theologian and reformer who lived in the 15th century known for criticizing the Catholic Church's sale of indulgences and its corruption. He also advocated for using vernacular languages in religious services.

A Dutch humanist and theologian of the 15th and 16th centuries known for criticizing the Catholic Church's corruption and calling for reform. He also advocated for studying classical texts and using reason in religion.

An Italian friar who lived in the late 15th century and criticized the Catholic Church's corruption and immorality. He called for a return to a simpler, more moral form of Christianity.

The widespread belief during the late Middle Ages that the Catholic Church had become corrupt. Critics pointed to the sale of indulgences, which they saw as a way for the Church to gain wealth and power.

The requirement that priests remain unmarried, which was criticized for contributing to abuses like sexual misconduct and the fathering of illegitimate children.

The vast power of the Pope was widely criticized, with people arguing that he had too much authority in matters of faith and doctrine. The concept of papal infallibility, where the Pope is considered incapable of error in religious matters, was also contested.

The Church's practice of selling indulgences, which were supposed to reduce time spent in purgatory, was widely seen as a way to enrich the Church by exploiting people's fear of hell.

The practice of selling church positions to the highest bidder, regardless of qualifications or character.

Using Latin in church services, making them difficult for ordinary people to understand and creating a sense of distance from the church.

The period marked by significant shifts in religion, politics, economics, and culture, primarily in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.

A period of great economic growth fueled by trade, exploration, and the rise of capitalism.

The formation of sovereign states, governed by a single nation or culture, replacing the feudal system with centralized monarchies.

Religious clashes between Catholics and Protestants, leading to wars and political instability.

A system where monarchs hold absolute power and authority, controlling all aspects of government and society.

European powers establishing colonies in other continents, expanding their control and influence over resources and labor.

A philosophical movement emphasizing reason, individual rights, and democratic principles, challenging traditional authority and power.

A German monk and theologian who challenged the Catholic Church's teachings and practices, sparking the Protestant Reformation.

A French theologian who played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing the importance of a strong church and the doctrine of predestination.

The central beliefs of Protestantism, emphasizing the Bible as the ultimate authority, salvation by faith alone, God's grace, and the priesthood of all believers.

The practice of buying indulgences, offering forgiveness from sins for a price.

Luther's famous work that criticized the Catholic Church's practices and sparked the Reformation.

Calvin's influential book that outlined his Protestant beliefs and became a key text for many denominations.

The belief that all Christians have direct access to God without needing priests or the Pope as intermediaries.

The concept that a ruler or monarch has supreme authority over religious matters, often forming a national church.

A group of Protestants in 16th century France who faced persecution and religious wars.

A group of Anabaptist (re-baptizers) who advocated for adult baptism and separation of church and state, often facing persecution in the 16th century.

This group challenged the established church and state, believing in direct guidance by the Holy Spirit. They emphasized individual conscience.

A group of poor farmers who revolted against feudal lords and the Catholic Church, hoping for better living conditions.

Protestants who disagreed with the official doctrines of their own churches and faced persecution for their views.

A group of Christians who existed in the Alps and rejected the authority of the Catholic Church, facing persecution and exile.

A major peasant revolt in Germany (1524-1525) against feudal lords and the Catholic Church, led by radical reformers. It resulted in significant loss of life and suppressed the rebellion.

A series of wars (1546-1547) between the Holy Roman Empire and Protestant princes seeking religious freedom. It ended with Catholicism reaffirmed as the Empire's official religion.

A treaty (1555) between the Holy Roman Empire and the Schmalkaldic League, establishing the right of each prince to choose the religion of their territory.

A series of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in France (1562-1598), fueled by religious tensions and political struggles.

A massacre in 1562 where Catholic forces attacked Huguenots, killing over 60 people, igniting major religious conflicts in France.

A massacre in 1572 where thousands of Huguenots were killed in Paris and throughout France, turning the French Wars of Religion into a more violent and brutal conflict.

A major religious conflict in Central Europe (1618-1648) between Protestants and Catholics, involving most European powers, and causing devastation on a large scale.

A period of Catholic revival that started as a response to the Protestant Reformation, aiming to address critiques of the Catholic Church and restore its authority.

The Printing Press allowed for the rapid spread of Protestant ideas, contributing to the decline of the Catholic Church's influence.

He convened the Council of Trent, a crucial event in the Catholic Reformation, leading to reforms within the church.

He founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), a powerful force within the Catholic Church known for education and missionary work.

She reformed the Carmelite order, emphasizing personal prayer and devotion within the church.

Addressing criticisms of the Catholic Church, this council reaffirmed its teachings and established seminaries to train priests, also banning the sale of indulgences.

Founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, this order became influential in the Catholic Church, focusing on education and missionary work.

She reformed the Carmelite order, emphasizing the importance of personal prayer and devotion.

The Catholic Church regained some of its lost followers and reasserted its authority, with the Council of Trent solidifying its teachings. The Jesuits became a powerful force, promoting education and missions.

This period of artistic and cultural renewal that followed the Catholic Reformation was characterized by dramatic and emotional art.

The nobility held the highest social position, born into their status with privileges like owning land, collecting taxes, and wielding political power.

The clergy, responsible for religious duties, held significant influence over the people, exempt from taxes and enjoying access to education and healthcare.

The bourgeoisie, made up of merchants, bankers, and professionals, possessed wealth and education, though they were not born into their status.

The peasants, the lowest social class, worked for the nobility and clergy primarily as farmers and laborers.

Women were not considered a separate social class, but rather placed within the existing social classes. They had limited rights and opportunities, primarily fulfilling domestic roles.

A style of art that emerged in the 16th century, known for its elongated proportions, exaggerated poses, artificial colors, complex compositions, and emphasis on intellectual and emotional content.

An Italian artist known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, called chiaroscuro, and his realistic depictions of everyday scenes.

A Greek artist who worked in Spain and is known for his elongated figures, vibrant colors, and influence from both Byzantine art and Italian Mannerism.

A Florentine painter who worked primarily for the Medici family and is known for his distorted figures and complex compositions.

A Florentine painter known for his use of vivid colors and dynamic compositions, drawing inspiration from Michelangelo and Raphael.

An Italian painter known for his elongated figures, use of perspective, and creation of the famous 'Madonna with the Long Neck' painting.

An art style that emerged in the 17th century, characterized by its dramatic and ornate nature, intense emotions, and grandeur. It uses light and shadow, intense emotions, and monumental scale.

An Italian artist known for his Baroque style, famous for his sculptures, architecture, and paintings.

A Flemish painter known for his dynamic compositions, emphasis on movement, and use of rich colors, creating masterpieces like 'The Descent from the Cross' and 'The Garden of Love'.

A Dutch painter and etcher known for his masterful use of light and shadow, his portraits, and his self-portraits, creating famous works like 'The Night Watch' and 'Self-Portrait with Two Circles'.