Renaissance: Key Figures, Beliefs, and Church Reforms

Northern vs. Italian Renaissance

The Northern Renaissance focused more on religious reform and social criticism, while the Italian Renaissance focused on humanism, art, and classical revival.

Similarities between Northern and Italian Renaissance

Both emphasized humanism, education, and the study of classical texts.

Desiderius Erasmus - Location

The Netherlands.

Thomas More - Location

England.

Desiderius Erasmus - Years Active

Late 1400s-early 1500s.

Thomas More - Years Active

Late 1400s-early 1500s.

Desiderius Erasmus - Famous Works

In Praise of Folly.

Thomas More - Famous Works

Utopia.

Desiderius Erasmus - Core Beliefs

Christian humanism, reform of the Church through education and piety.

Thomas More - Core Beliefs

Ideal society based on communal property and religious tolerance.

Highest positions among clergy

Popes, cardinals, and bishops.

Bourgeoisie

Middle-class merchants and professionals who lived in towns.

How did the Church increase its revenues?

By selling indulgences, church offices, and relics.

Pluralism

The holding of multiple church offices by one person for profit.

Salvation becoming "mechanical"

Religious practices became formulaic—people bought indulgences or performed rituals instead of sincere faith.

Indulgences

Certificates sold by the Church that reduced time in purgatory.

Laymen or laypeople

Non-clergy members of the Church who practiced faith but didn't hold religious office.

Catholic orders calling for reform

The Franciscans, Dominicans, and Augustinians sought moral renewal in the clergy.