European Reformation

The European Reformation

Question:

What was the significance of Christian humanism for the Reformation

In answering this question it is necessary to first define the terms “Humanism”, “Christian Humanism”, and “The Reformation” as referred to in the question title.   The term Humanism was first used in 1808 by a German educationalist to describe the emphasis placed on the Greek and Latin classics in education.1   Christian Humanism is defined by Webster’s Third New International Dictionary as “a philosophy advocating the self-fulfilment of man within the framework of Christian principles.”1   Wallace describes it as “…the studia humanitatis, offered learning laced with the moral injunctions drawn from classical pagan authors but cloaked in Christian ethics.” 2   The Reformation is described by Grell as “… an event or process which broke up Western Christianity, which until then had provided the religious and ideological foundation for the whole of Western culture…”3

The history of the Christian Church from its earliest days is noted with doctrinal and political power disputes.   Historians have recorded that the authority of the Christian (Catholic) Church, in mid or late medieval times, was regularly under threat from Kings and Princes.   This threat was seen in the Great Schism, when “lay rulers and princes.”4 sought to use the power of the church to influence their political objectives.   The threat was also evident in the emergence of a number of reform movements who called for and advocated an interpretation of the Bible’s teachings which was at variance with those of the Church.

In the 12th Century Peter Waldo preached poverty as described in Matthew’s Gospel and spoke against the existence of Purgatory and the veneration of the saints.   He also produced, for his followers (Waldenses), a New Testament in the vernacular, Provencal.   In 14th Century England John Wycliffe’s followers (Lollards) believed that the scriptures were the sole authority in...