Renaissance and Reformation Concepts

Renaissance and Reformation Study Guide

• Words to Know:
  • Renaissance: A period of European history, marked by a renewed interest in classical art and learning.
  • Humanism: A philosophical movement emphasizing human potential and achievement.
  • Secular: Concerned with worldly rather than spiritual matters.
  • Patron: A person who supports artists financially.
  • Michelangelo: Renowned Renaissance sculptor and painter.
  • Leonardo da Vinci: Renaissance artist, scientist, and inventor.
  • Johann Gutenberg: Inventor of the printing press.
  • Martin Luther: Key figure in the Protestant Reformation.
  • Excommunication: The act of formally excluding someone from a church.
  • Protestants: Followers of religious movements that broke away from the Catholic Church.
  • Jesuits: Members of a Catholic religious order.
  • Council of Trent: A council of the Catholic Church to address Protestant Reformation concerns.
  • William Shakespeare: Famous English Renaissance playwright and poet.
  • Indulgence: Removal or lessening of punishment for sins.
  • Predestination The idea that God has already chosen who will be saved.
  • Inquisition: A church tribunal established to combat heresy.
  • Ignatius of Loyola: Founder of the Society of Jesus.
  • Heresy: Belief or opinion contrary to dogma of a religion.

Multiple Choice Questions

• 1. Renaissance Shifts in Thinking: Overall shifts in thought during the Renaissance involved a renewed interest in classical learning and emphasis on human potential and achievement.
• 2. Importance of Italian City-States: Italian city-states were crucial due to their wealth, patronage of the arts, and connection to classical learning.
• 3. Focus of Humanism: Humanism focused on human potential, achievements, and worldly experiences.
• 4. Patron System and Art: The patron system supported artists financially, encouraging creation of remarkable works of art.
• 5. Shakespeare's Enduring Popularity: Shakespeare's plays continue to be popular due to their universal themes and captivating storytelling, impacting literature, and culture.
• 6. Printing Press Impact: The printing press enabled mass production of books, thereby disseminating knowledge and ideas worldwide, leading to changes in societal thought.
• 7. Luther's Concerns: Martin Luther had major issues with the sale of indulgences and church practices.
• 8. Impact of Excommunication: Formal exclusion of someone from the church held weighty sanctions that could impact societal status.
• 9. The Anglican Church: Henry VIII's desire for a male heir and annulment led to the establishment of the Anglican Church, a reform movement that separated from the Catholic Church.
• 10. Predestination in Calvinism (Concept): Predestination in Calvinism emphasizes the idea that God has predetermined who will be saved or damned.
• 11. Ignatius of Loyola & Importance: Ignatius of Loyola was a crucial figure in the Counter-Reformation by establishing a religious order.
• 12. Council of Trent: The Council of Trent addressed Protestant concerns and solidified Catholic doctrines.
• 13. Heresy: Heresy was considered dangerous because it could be seen as challenging religious authority and could incite dissent.
• 14. The Inquisition: The Inquisition was a church court established to combat heresy.
• 15. Impact of Indulgences: The sale of indulgences contributed to the Protestant Reformation by creating dissatisfaction with Church practices.
• 16. Martin Luther's Theses: Martin Luther had 95 theses that challenged Catholic Church practices.
• 17. Protestant Ideas Outside Catholicism: Some Protestant ideas challenged traditional Catholic dogma.
• 18. Bible Translation's Effect: Translations of the Bible into vernacular languages led to wider access and interpretations, possibly decreasing Catholic Church power and influence.
• 19. Non-Renaissance Figure: Answers regarding individuals who were not Renaissance figures should be provided.

Test your knowledge of the key terms and figures from the Renaissance and Reformation periods. This quiz covers important movements, influential artists, and pivotal events that shaped European history. Perfect for students studying this transformative era!