Context of Reformation in Early Modern Europe Flashcards
Outline the primary principles of Humanism
•primarily concerned investigating the classical world and a rediscovery of the past which began in Italy. For example, Pope Nicholas V collected 5000 books to start the Vatican library, aiming to restore the classics in pure form not vulgar Latin.
What was “Ad Fontes?”
•Ad fontes was a motto employed by humanists, meaning back to the sources - this acted as the basis for the humanist desire to return to the early simplicities of the church, or Devotio Moderna.
What did Erasmus’ “Handbook of a Christian Soldier” detail?
• His “Handbook of a Christian Soldier”, was an appeal for Christians to act in accordance with the Christian faith as opposed to merely the necessary rites of the church. This acted as a daring attack on the Catholic Church.
Describe Eramus’ Greek New Testament
His Greek new testament in 1516 aimed to replace latin vulgate, being the first Greek version available to the public, which corrected errors in the vulgate. In 1519, the new version was even more critical of church. Erasmus stated that he wanted the Bible to be available to “even the loneliest of women”.
Was Humanism a mass movement amongst the people?
Humanists did not want a mass movement, they wanted their ideas to be shared amongst the educated - which is far from the grassroots movements inspired later by Luther.
Why was money in decline for the HRE?
•Annates and first fruits were all in decline. A large Bureaucracy was needed to manage this, which was expensive as funds were slowly cut off as more monarchs split from the church such as in Spain and France.
How was money raised in regard to declining funds?
Money was raised via simony and pluralism, often through dubious methods; such clerical abuses would later become prevalent.
How many states were there in the HRE, and how many imperial cities?
300 states, and 65 imperial cities
How did imperial cities differ from smaller German states in literacy levels and political awareness?
There was a level of political awareness and literacy in imperial cities not seen throughout the ignorant peasantry of smaller German states.
How many electors were there?
7
Which family had been emperors since 1440?
The Habsburgs
How could time in purgatory be reduced?
Through the selling of indulgences and through good works, like charity and pilgrimage.
What were the 7 Sacraments?
baptism, confirmation, penance, matrimony (marriage), mass, ordination and extreme unction (anointing the sick, particularly the dying).
Describe some early evidence for reformist impact
- Devotio Moderna among laypeople
- Burning of iconography / iconoclasms
- Break away monks
- Fifth meeting of the Lateran Council condemned abuses and called for clerical education
