The Change From A religous to a secular society in europe
The radical change in European society from an almost completely religious civilization in the early sixteenth century into a basically secular civilization by the end of the eighteenth century was a very long process which did not directly begin in the early sixteenth century. The initial sign of sparks that would ignite the flame first appeared during the thirteenth century. While proven visibly that in the beginning of the thirteenth century the Catholic church played a dominant role in society, as was directly shown in the numerous beautiful Romanesque and Gothic churches that were erected during this time period. However not as visible to the naked eye was that at the same time discontent and desire for change with the church was ravaging through the minds of the Europeans. Europeans withdrew from the practices and teachings of the Catholic church, which in turn promoted the church to responded with inquisitorial instruments to enforce its teachings. The response from the Catholic church did not necessarily work out the way they had wanted to, these inquisitorial instruments only withdrew the Europeans further than they originally were. Resulting in Martin Luther's first protest against the Papacy and the Catholic churc
The change of civilization from a religious society in the sixteenth century to a basically secular society in the eighteenth was a very long and extremely complicated process. There were many factors that attributed to the demise of religion while the items here are of the most importance, however there were many others that still had a great effect on the fall of religion. "Religion, especially the struggle between a militant Catholicism and a militant Cavinsism, certainly played an important role in the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War, often called the 'last of the religious wars.' As the war progressed, however, it became increasing clear that secular, dynastic-nationalist considerations were far more important." (Spielvogel 510) As previously mentioned King Philip II of Spain (1556-1598) was one of the most influential Catholics of the second half of the sixteenth century. He showed his belief in Catholicism again in a extremely forceful way through the Spanish Inquisition. "The Spanish had little difficulty seeing themselves as a nation of people divinely chosen to save Catholic Christianity from the Protestant heretics."(Spielvogel 503) This support from the majority of the Spanish people allowed for Philip to have almost total control. However his actions were not solely in light of keeping Catholicism strong. "Philip's activities on behalf of Catholicism were not done to please the papacy, however. Despite his devotion to Catholicism, Philip allowed the popes little say in the Spanish Catholic church and did not hesitate to disagree with papal religious and political policies."(Spielvogel 503) As shown here Philip, while very much in support of the Catholic faith, he was more worried about his political position as a strong monarch. While he did so, he also succeded on further increasing societies desire for withdrawl from and dislike of the Catholic church as well as growing concerns to where the entire idea of Christianity has gone. The eighteenth century the Age of Enlightenment, was most accurately brought about from the Scientific Revolution of the seventeenth century. Which planted a seed that would blossom as the Age of Enlightenment. The philosophes were probably the most influential of this time period. The philosphes of the eighteenth century were influenced by from the great accomplishments from the great thinkers from the seventeenth century, such as Newton, Galileo and Kepler. As mentioned before these thinkers were in pursuit for discovery in the glory of God. However philosphes were completely against any religious intervention in there thinkings of there world around them. Philosophes were critics of the world in which they lived. They were mostly interested in criticizing politics and religion. They did this in form of literary text such as books, leaflets, and encyclopedias. While there were many philosophes of this time some of the most famous and had the most impact on society were that of Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot. This war was different than wars of the past had mostly been, religious, such as the Crusades and of the French Religious wars. This is the first evidence of a change to a more secular society. These changes in society were directly evident in that of art, literature and music from this era. In the world of art, the Renaissance style of painting that dominated that of the sixteenth century was coming to an end. The Renaissance style of painting was depicted
Some common words found in the essay are:
Newton Kepler, Spanish Catholic, , Scientific Revolution, French Religious, Voyage Bouganville, French Revolution, France French, Galileo Kepler, Medici Marseilles, catholic church, seventeenth century, eighteenth century, sixteenth century, scientific revolution, french people, religious society, french revolution, played role, sixteenth century basically, center universe, teachings catholic church, secular civilization eighteenth, renaissance style painting, century basically secular,
Approximate Word count = 2348
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
