Topic 5: Fundamental Developments in Roman Catholicism mid 16th century

Question 1

Council of Trent

Answer 1

• After delays Council opened 1545 to address Heresies and morals - interrupted - concluded in 1563
• Addressed doctrines of Justification, authority of scripture and tradition, sacraments and more
• Addressing abuses - reform exisiting institutions rather than abolish
• Important as point of arrival and point of departure of new style of Roman Catholicism

Question 2

Roman Catholicism after Trent

Answer 2

• Papacy sought to remake itself and the city of Rome in a Tridentine image.
• Educated, upright bishops and priests were trained and made changes
• Late 16C to 18C “Golden age for religious orders
• Reforms of the clergy were meant for spiritual benefit of the laity, received with both devotion and inertia

Question 3

Going Global - Catholic Missions

Answer 3

1. Catholic missionary activity accompanied the european expansion of trade and colonization that began at the end of the fifteenth century.
2. In central and south america, catholic missionary efforts accompanied portuguese and especially spanish colonisation and encountered cultures judged less advanced than European culture.
3. In India, Japan, and China, where catholic missionary efforts accompanied portuguese trade, indigenous cultures were considered highly sophisticated.
4. Catholic missionary activity in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries transformed catholicism into a global religion.