Puritans during the European reformation

Puritans During the European Reformation

The European Reformation ,which occured during the sixteenth century ,was a movement that divided Christianity in Europe into Catholic and Protestant traditions (Euan 1

It was indeed ,unparalled , in its vast and wide ranging impact on the religious and political status quo of that era

Basically , there was widespread dissatisfaction with practical abuses in the Catholic Church at all levels in medieval society . Agitations by churchmen , scholars and clerics , led foremost by Martin Luther (1483-1546 , an Augustinian monk and professor in the University of Wittenberg ,Germany , gave

vent against the excesses of the Papacy and its agents . The lower clergy were critized for being ` 'theologically ignorant and for not fufilling properly their priestly duties . The higher clergy were accused of also being theologically ignorant as the lower clergy and subordinating spiritual duties for political and commercial interests . Also the Renaissance Popes often acted more like Italian princes than successors of Apostle Peter .Some were immoral and flamboyant in their living , politically ambitious , and concerned with their own fame and the well being of their relatives and friends (Euan 2

Another factor in late medieval Europe contributing to dissatisfaction with the Church (Roman Catholic ) was the rise of nationalism ,as a result in which each nation reappraised its relations with the Papacy . The Pope 's influence in the internal affairs of all nations ,resulting from his prestigious position ,the ` 'financial obligations due him from all clergy , the international character of canon law , and the right of appeal to Rome were now regarded as unwarranted foreign interference ,leading to a ripening of the reform landscape (Euan 20

As it were ,another important factor in the situations that lead to the Reformation was the conciliar movement , which arose as a result of the scandal occasioned by the Papal Schism , where by ,begining in 1378 there were two claimants to St .Peter 's throne . These divisions within the Papacy brought about much disrepute around it .The conciliarists sought to end the Schism and carry out a moral and administrative reform of the Church . The Schism was finally ended by the Council of Constance but no basic reformation was accomplished . The Council decreed that the Pope should call periodic meetings but succeeding Popes resisted , thus ending the conciliar dream of legislative control of the Papacy (Cragg 34 ,128

On October 31st ,1517 , Martin Luther , based on his new understanding of the Gospel , officially attacked the traditions and rites of the Roman Catholic Church , thus setting up a chain of events that have endured up to this present time . Essentially ,he soon became the rallying point for all who were dissatisfied with the Papal Church .The widespread discontent , sharpened by Luther 's protests , was based more on religious and theological foundations rather than political motivations (Chadwick 43 . From there , diverse followers like Ulrich Zwingli (Zurich Switzerland , John Calvin (Geneva ,Switzerland , France , amongst others ,branched out and spread the seeds of the Reformation across Europe .Though Papal 's counterattack and...