The condition of the church

Question 1

How was Germany organised in c.1500?

Answer 1

• HRE consisted of 400+ political entities (so difficult to govern effectively
• Nobility were the most powerful group within the HRE, but weren’t unified
• Economically advanced- printing press
• highest literacy rate in Europe
• most developed transport network in Europe
• 6 cities with populations of over 2000

Question 2

To what extent did the abuses of the RCC affect the laity? - arguments for limited

Answer 2

• people were still devout and the church was being followed

* throughout the rest of Europe, not so much a problem (no monarchy)

Question 3

To what extent did the abuses of the RCC affect the laity? - arguments for significantly

Answer 3

• church revenues increased to pay for “papal pass-times” - church taxes: tithes and mortuary dues
• selling of Church positions -> absentee and pluralist bishops, poor parish care - 1/4 parishes had a priest in Germany
• sacramental worship became a commodity you had to pay for rather than something you were entitled to

Question 4

What was humanism?

Answer 4

• Elitist Roman Catholic movement
• influenced by classical texts (“ad fontes” - back to the source)
• fundamentally not schismatic

Question 5

How was the RCC corrupt in 1500?

Answer 5

• Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503) was linked to murders and prostitution. He devalued gold during his election due to the amount he released in bribes.
• absentee and pluralist bishops meant untrained priests