3.3

Empires: Belief Systems

Introduction

  • Essential Question: How did different belief systems endure or change during the period from 1450-1750?
  • The relationship between religion and empires: Religion played a dual role as a divisive force as well as a unifying force during this period.

Key Historical Context

  • Christianity's Domination in Europe

    • Christianity remained a dominant influence in Europe.
    • The split during the 16th and 17th centuries resulted in significant historical shifts:
    • King Henry IV of France (1589-1610)
      • Converted to Catholicism in 1593 to solidify his power and promote peace.
      • Demonstrates practical governance over purely theological concerns.
      • Supported religious toleration for the Huguenots (French Calvinists).

  • Islamic Schisms

    • Similar to Christianity, Islam experienced a division
    • Major rivalry between the Sunni and Shi'a branches.
    • Political tensions notably between the Ottoman Empire (mostly Sunni) and the Safavid Empire (Shi'a).
    • Sikhism emerged during this era, blending elements of Hinduism and Sufism to promote religious harmony.

Protestant Reformation

  • The Catholic Church faced increasing challenges during the transition from feudalism to more centralized governments.
    • Corruption within the Church: A large organization with significant bureaucracy.
    • Reform Movements: Efforts were made to curb corruption, including Church councils, but were largely unsuccessful.
Major Figures and Events in the Reformation
  • John Wycliffe:
    • Advocated that priests were unnecessary for salvation in late 14th century England.
    • Translated parts of the Bible into English for broader access.
    • His followers, the Lollards, faced persecution.
  • Jan Hus:
    • Followers in Bohemia (Hussites) supported similar ideas to Wycliffe.
    • Hus was burned at the stake for heretical beliefs.
  • Huldrych Zwingli:
    • Championed reforms in Geneva based on scripture, opposing customs established after the Bible was written.
    • Opposed clerical celibacy, arguing such rules were imposed later.
The Impact of the Babylonian Captivity
  • The Babylonian Captivity of the Papacy (1309-1377):
    • Papacy relocated to France, increasing French influence over the Church.
    • Led to conflicts as rulers sought to control Church properties and authority.
    • The Church's failure to respond effectively to crises such as the Black Death resulted in decreased legitimacy.
Martin Luther's Challenge to the Church
  • Martin Luther, a monk in Wittenberg, criticized Church practices:
    • Indulgences: Sold by the Church to absolve sins, violating biblical teachings.
    • Simony: The selling of Church offices.
  • 95 Theses: Luther's formal complaints against the Church, nailed to a church door.
  • Advocated **