THE CATHOLIC RESPONSE TO THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION

The Counter-Reformation

Objectives

Today we will be able to identify how the Catholic Church responded to the Protestant Reformation.

Catholic Response to Protestant Reformation

The Catholic response to the Reformation was two –fold A defensive response to the rise of Protestantism An aggressive attempt at reforming the Church within

the limits of Catholic theology.

Retreat to Dogmatism

The papacy retreated to doctrinal orthodoxy and aggressive repression Pre-publication censorship

(a list of forbidden books) Instituted the Ghetto to

address the “errors” in all forms. Ordered Jews living in the

Papal states to reside in specific neighborhoods.

The papacy stated in a “Bull” that Jews were responsible for killing Christ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wupt9lAEh8c

The Jesuits

Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) Read an account of Jesus’ life

and vowed to help rekindle Catholic orthodoxy

He travelled throughout Spain and Italy attracting followers

Organized the Society of Jesus which was approved by the Pope in 1540 Jesuits became the standard

bearers of the Catholic Reformation, creating a model for Church organization, orthodoxy and discipline and educated the clergy.

Council of Trent

An 18 year (1545) meeting to assess the composition of the Catholic Church and to define its doctrines.

Many doubled down on its doctrine and rejected any reforms presented. Made a split wit

protestants irreparable Successes were a more

organized church (better records) and better educated clergy.