Reformation and Renaissance

Question

How did the renaissance affect the reformation?

1. My thoughts: It encouraged and inspired people to accept individualism and the protestant belief?

What are the other causes for reformation?

1. The art of printing? Luthers messages spread in that way and also translation of Bible in German, English etc instead of only Latin enabling a believer to read about their faith themselves?
2. But I cant figure out other causes..

Thankful for help!

Answer 1

Beginning in the 14th century the Catholic Church experienced a leadership crisis. Beginning in 1309 and lasting until 1376 there was the Avignon Papacy. Also known as the Babylonian Captivity. Which was followed by the Papal Schism from 1378 to 1417. At one point there was 2 and 3 popes. The issue was finally settled by the Council of Constance in 1417. The Church was seen as being under the influence of foreign rulers. The Church appeared to be in chaos and ignoring the spiritual needs of Catholics across Europe.

In order to the raise funds the Church sold offices to the clergy. For example a bishop could be in charge two Church offices but the individual couldn’t be in two places as once. Thus ignoring the spiritual needs of one community. Albert of Brandenburg was Archbishop of Mainz and Magdeburg.

There was the sale of indulgences was another factor for the Reformation The sale of indulgences was seen as preying on the emotions of grieving individuals. Indulgences paid for the construction of the Sistine Chapel. See Johann Tetzel. 

By the early 1500s Juluis II or the “warrior pope” who was waging war against his in the hopes of the expanding the territory of the Papal States. The Church shouldn’t be waging war. The Renaissance Popes were living decadent lifestyles. 

There was growing nationalism. A desire to read the Bible in the vernacular, which the printing press allowed. The Church lost their monopoly on Biblical interpretation. 

Rulers wanted to have greater control of Church issues and officials within their own jurisdiction. Especially over the appointed of bishops and cardinals.

Answer 2

You've already covered most causes.

In addition to what you have over here, I just want to add two eleemtns.

1. Humanism. The humanists in Renaissance asks people to question the authority, namely the authority of the church, as the church was the only agency to explain everything to people in Medieval Europe. Renaissance changed the whole atmosphere, as it urged people to seek answers from ancient Greek and Roman classics, disregard the interpretation from the church. They developed textual criticism that challenged the authority of the church.
2. Renaissance arts include painting, architecture, and sculpture. Many of these need the help of science and mathematics. In the age of the Renaissance, we saw many geniuses who were scientists, mathematicians, architects, and mechanical engineers at the same time, which caused the development of science and scientific attitude towards everything. These people challenged the system established by the church, thus largely decreased the authority of the church.