success of the catholic reformation essay

The scholars used the term Catholic reform and anti-reform to determine the changes that occurred in the 15th and 16th centuries. The term Catholic reform refers to the reform effort normally started during the late Middle Ages and during the Renaissance. Anti-reform means measures taken by the Catholic Church in the 16th century against the development of Protestantism. Complaints about church officials were common in the 15th century. Some of the most common accusations are that church officials ignore the church law, the pope corrupts, the cardinals live a luxurious life, and the bishops do not live in their parish. Several parliaments from the 15th century to the early 15th century tried to solve these problems. However, many officials, especially the Pope - do not support reform

By the beginning of the 16 th century Protestant reforms threatened the massive Spanish Catholic Empire. As a good Catholic power, Spain will not tolerate any challenge to the Catholic Church. During the 16th century, it invested a lot of wealth and labor to lead to failed efforts to eliminate Protestantism in Europe. The main Spanish enemies are Spanish provinces that are uncontrollable in the North Holland. By 1581, the seven northern states declared independence from Spain and founded the Netherlands Republic, also known as the Netherlands where Protestantism was accepted. King Philippe of Spain had a fatal blow to the Protestant in England and the Netherlands, decided to form a large army of more than 30,000 people and 130 vessels and sent the naval Spanish invincible fleet north in 1588. However, the British navy joined the storm and destroyed the fleet.

As a background of the history of Protestantism and reform, it is important to understand Catholic arguments about the inheritance of the apostles. This doctrine states that the path of the Roman Catholic Pope has lasted for centuries from the apostle Peter to the current pope. This unbroken series of powers make the Roman Catholic Church the only real church, giving the Pope a dominant position in all churches. Because they believe in the inheritance of the apostles and the innocence of the Pope (as for the Pope), Catholics have placed the teachings and traditions of the Church on the same level as the Bible itself. This is one of the main differences between Roman Catholics and Protestants, and one of the fundamental problems that led to Protestant reform.