Reformation
The term Counter-Reformation suggests that the Catholic movement began after the Protestant Reformation, whereas in truth the reform originally began in the Roman Catholic Church, and Luther was a Catholic reformer before he became a Protestant. Although there are certain dates assigned for the beginning and end of the Catholic Reformation, there has never been a break in the striving of the Church against the heresies that arose in the sixteenth century. But there was a time when there was heroism on a large scale, when whole classes, including new religious orders and episcopates, were filled with enthusiasm; when martyrs were numerous; when great writers, preachers, and leaders abounded; when education was attended from the highest motives and with the greatest interest; when the old duties of life were discharged with an alertness, a faith, a meaning which were new; when for a time Catholic rulers and whole states rose superior to consideration of self-interest. Roman Catholics reformed through stately popes and the Council of Trent, the beginnings of new religious orders, and the renewed Inquisition and the index of prohibited books. The popes are as a rule, and from the nature of their position, extremely conservati
From all the clergy he demanded devotion to duty and the highest religious standards. These men took vows of absolute obedience to the church, unquestionable submission in matters of faith, and a vow of obedience to the pope. By serving a priests and teachers, Jesuits helped preserve Catholicism in Poland , Bohemia, southern Germany, and Belgium. Pope Paul III, who was pope from 1534-49, provided strong leadership for Church reform. I would not say that Roman Catholics defended their faith, but only improved after realizing the problems. Through various methods including the Inquisition and the Council of Trent, all Roman Catholics reaped the rewards of the improved Roman Catholic Church. Continuing the progress of the Council of Trent and Pope Paul III, many new religious orders were created. Only men of proven strength of character and intelligence were admitted. Pope Paul III called hundreds of leading churchmen from all over Europe to the General Council of Trent which in three sessions from 1545-63, united Catholics for the coming religious struggle. The Council of Trent authorized an index of books forbidden to Catholics. A predecessor to these great leaders was Pope Paul III. Overall, the Council of Trent strengthened the organization of the church and did much to raise the moral of the clergy. The Carmelites lived a life of strict observance of the Carmelite rule, which emphasized a life of simplicity and poverty devoted to contemplation and prayer.
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