Renissance & Reformation Study Guide

Renaissance

"Rebirth" of classical art and learning in Europe from 1300 to 1600.

Secularism

Focus on worldly, non-religious matters rather than spiritual ones.

Humanism

Intellectual movement focusing on human potential and achievements.

Individualism

Belief in the unique importance and capability of each person.

Medici Family

Wealthy Florence banking family who generously patronized Renaissance arts.

Patron

A person who financially supports artists, writers, or organizations.

Vernacular

The everyday native language of people in a region or country.

Protestant Reformation

16th-century movement for religious reform, leading to non-Catholic churches.

Pope

The supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Clergy

Church officials who perform religious services, such as priests.

Tithes

Church taxes, typically one-tenth of a family's annual income.

Salvation

Deliverance from sin, bringing eternal life in Christian belief.

Sacraments

Sacred Christian rites or rituals, such as baptism.

Martin Luther

German monk who triggered the Protestant Reformation in 1517.

Indulgences

Pardons sold by the Catholic Church that released sinners from punishment.

95 Theses

Luther's list of arguments against church corruption, especially indulgences.

Excommunication

Banishment from the Catholic Church and denial of sacraments.

Heresy

Religious beliefs or opinions that contradict official church teachings.

Edict of Worms

Imperial decree declaring Martin Luther an outlaw and heretic.

Catholic Reformation

The 16th-century movement to reform the Catholic Church from within.

Jesuits

Catholic order founded by Ignatius of Loyola to spread education and block Protestantism.

Council of Trent

Meetings of Catholic leaders to define doctrines and address Protestant criticisms.

How did the Renaissance differ from Medieval Europe?

Medieval focused on religion and survival; Renaissance emphasized humanism, secularism, and classical culture.

How did the Renaissance help shape the modern world?

It promoted scientific inquiry, individualism, and literacy through vernacular writing.

Why was the Catholic Church so important in Europe?

It controlled salvation, held vast land, and united Europe under one faith.

What critiques did people have of the Catholic Church in the early 1500s?

Worldliness of popes, poorly educated clergy, and the corrupt sale of indulgences.

What did Martin Luther do to become so significant?

He posted the 95 Theses, challenging papal authority and starting the Reformation.

How did Luther's actions impact Europe?

They shattered religious unity, sparked wars, and weakened the Pope's political power.

How did the Catholic Church respond to Luther?

By excommunicating him, forming the Jesuits, and redefining doctrines at Trent.