The Counter Reformation and the Roman Catholic Church

             The Counter-Reformation was the movement within the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and 17th centuries that tried to eliminate abuses within the church and to respond to the Protestant Reformation. Loyola response to Luther accusations towards the church was made by forming the Society of Jesuits. What caused Luther to become so angry was the corruption within the church; internally, and externally. The main reasons for Luther 'separating' from the church was the 'sale of indulgences, illiterate clergy, and the power of the pope.'
             It was not until Paul III became pope did the Catholic Church obtain the leadership to meet the challenge of the Protestants. The pope approved new religious orders like the Jesuits, and the Council of Trent to deal with the doctrines and disciplinary arguments raised by the Protestant reformers. The Council of Trent banned the selling of indulgences and office position within the church; they ordered the bishops to educate the clergy, while the Jesuits were taking the lead in places such as North Africa to establish excellent missionary schools.
             The Jesuits were characterized by high intellect, flexibility, and obedience. The Jesuits also tried to reconvert people who were lost to Protestantism. They were influenced by the remarkable power of education, and they organized exceptional schools. They also structured missionary work all over the world, which brought spectacular success to the Roman Catholic Church. Their hard work and determined dedication was the major reason for the revival of the Catholic Church. The group also authorized the revival of the "Inquisition", a court that tried heretics and punished them. Loyola sort-of commanded these Jesuits almost like a spiritual army, who 'won many battles' for the Catholic Church.
             The Council of Trent was summoned by the church, for the church to correct any errors made by the Roman Catholic Church. Luther's ideas created a new Church, but wher...

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The Counter Reformation and the Roman Catholic Church. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 10:40, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/24093.html