Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation

Religious reform processes were initiated in the sixteenth century. We stand out as causes of the Amendments to the abuses committed by the Catholic church and also due to a change in worldview, the result of Renaissance thought (Renaissance and Humanism) in the territory belonging to the Holy Roman Empire and ruled by those for Emperor Carlos V of Germany (or Carlos I of Spain). The religious movement known as the Protestant Reformation, had as its leader Martin Luther (1483-1546) an Augustinian monk who taught theology at the University of Wittenberg and fought corruption widespread religious leaders. To stop the spread of Protestantism in Europe the Catholic Church, summoned the Council of Trent which provided for the reform of the Roman Church, the Counter.

Protestant Reformation The Catholic Church came from the end of the Middle Ages, losing their identity. Expenditure on luxuries and material concerns were pulling down the fundamental objective of the Roman Catholic Church. Many elements of the clergy were not respecting their religious rules, concerned primarily with the celibacy. Priests could hardly command the religious rituals, and left much to be desired to customers.

Causes of the Protestant Reformation The commercial burquesia in full expansion in the sixteenth century, was increasingly incorforme, because the Catholic clergy were condemning their work, benefits and profits of an emerging capitalist system, were seen as reprehensible by the religious practices.

On the other hand, the pope raised funds for the construction of the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, with sales of indulgences (Sales of forgiveness of sins for money)

In the political field, the kings were unhappy with the pope, for his many interference in the work they thought of government (the pope's temporal power)

The new Renaissance thought also opposed to the precepts of the Church. Renaissance man began to read more and how to think each increasingly critical. Urban workers with more access to books began to discuss and reflect on the things of the world. A science-based thinking and the pursuit of truth through experience and reason.

The Lutheran Reformation

Forerunner of the Protestant Reformation in Europe, Martin Luther was born in Germany in 1483 and since very young belonged to the Catholic Church as part of the Augustinian order. In 1507, he was ordained priest, but because their ideas were contrary to those advocated by the Roman Catholic Church , was excommunicated. ...