History of English literature "Reformation"
The Reformation was a
religious reform movement that swept through Europe
in 16th century. It resulted in the creation of a branch of
Christianity called Protestantism, a name used collectively to refer to the
many religious groups that separated from the Roman Catholic Church due to
differences in doctrine.
Reformation movement
Historical Background
The protest Reformation began in Wittenberg, Germany,
on 31, 1517, when Martin Luther, a teacher and a monk, published a document he called Disputation on the power of Indulgences, or 95 Theses. The document
was a series of 95 Ideas about Christianity that he invited people to debate
with him. These ideas were controversial because they directly contradicted the
Catholic Church’s teachings. Luther’s statements challenged the Catholic
Church’s role as intermediary between people and God, specifically when it came
to the indulgence system, which in part allowed to people to purchase a
certificate of Pardon for the punishment of their sins. Luther argued against
the practice of buying or earning forgiveness, believing instead that salvation
is a gift and God gives to those who have faith.
Broadly speaking, most of the challenges to the Catholic
Church revolved around the notion that individual believers should be less
dependent on the Catholic Church, and its Pope and Priests, for spiritual
guidance and salvation. Instead, Protestants believed people should be
independent in their relationship with God, taking personal responsibility for
their faith and referring directly to the Bible, the Christian holy book, for
spiritual wisdom.
Meaning of Reformation
Reformation means the movement for bringing about reforms in
the Christian Church. For the historical point of view, Reformation is a very
important revolution which led to the establishment of religions. the reformer was great 16th century religious revolution in the Christian Church which had political, social and
literary effects.
Cause of Reformation
Dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church; Henry VIII’s
desire to obtain a divorce and Catholic Church’s refusal to grant him; the
political ambitions of the members of Henry’s court are the several factors
which contribute to the rise of the Reformation. One of the key politics of the
Reformation was the dissolution of the monasteries from 1536 to 1540,
supposedly to put an end to the corruption of the religious establishment.
Political Cause: the kings were increasing their power over
their own people and also against the Pope and the Emperor. When the
reformation began some monarchs broke completely away from the Pope
Economic cause: as the cities grew wealthy and independent,
they threw off the control of the local lord prince and the bishops.
Martin Luther: The Leader
American novelist Lydia M. Child said-
A reformer is the one who sets forth cheerfully towards the
sure defeat. Though rooted in a broad dissatisfaction with the Church, the
birth of the reformation can be traced to the protest of one man, the German
monk Martin Luther. Martin Luther created a shock wave throughout Europe. He entered the Church as a priest and exposed the
weakness of it. He translated the Bible into the German language. He placed his
ideology before the public in the form with 95 points on 31st
October 1517 AD. So, the Pope dismisses him from the Church. In response to
this, Martin Luther put a new ideology which later came to be known as Protestantism.
Thus, the protestant
Church was born, and Christians
were divided into two main sects- the catholic and the Protestant. A number of
prominent leaders, priest and Christian's scholars had joined in this movement
for the religious reforms. This movement greatly influenced the religious
economic, social, political, cultural and literary aspects of the people of Europe. The movement of Reformation brought an end to the
supremacy of Roman Catholic Church.
the reformation in England was once a political,
religious and social event. The English Reformation was a series of the events
in 16th century England
by which the Church of England broke away from the authority of the pope and
Roman Catholic Church. It associated with the wider process of the European
protestant reformation.
Reformation in England
The reformation saw the breaking away of the English Church
from the Greek in Rome
and the emergence of King Henry VIII as its supreme head. During the reign of
Henry People revolted against the Church. After the revolt, the supremacy of
cardinally ended in England.
Thereafter, National
Church was established.
The king was made supreme governing authority of the Church. the action was
welcomed by the people and the parliament. The National Church
continued to exist in the reign of Edward VI and queen Elizabeth I. therefore,
people were now free to practice religion according to their wishes.
Impact of Reformation on Literature
The reformation was a great 16th century
religious revolution in the Christian Church which had a notable literary
effect. The impact of reformation was deeply felt in the English literature of
16th century. Sidney, Spenser, and Bacon were the greatest
supporters of the Reformation. Chaucer was the first great poet who discarded
the Clergyman and exposed their evil deeds in his Canterbury Tales. Marlowe’s
Doctor Faustus reveals true reformation spirit. Milton combines the spirit of reformation and
renaissance in his Paradise Lost. Bacon expressed reformation in his prose. Sir
Thomas Moor’s Utopia is the image of Island
where all religions are authorized, and the tolerance is the Law. All the forms
of literature were grown during the reformation Drama attained better height during this period. Other forms of
literature like Songs, Sonnets, Poetry, Lyrical Poetry and etc. were written
during the reformation. And therefore, England known as The Nest of
Singing Birds.
Conclusion
In short, reformation was the start of intellectual
progress. It awoke sleeping man and filled the minds with pure Christianity. It
abolished papal authority and corruption of clerics. Also, political powers were
given to the house of Commons. The 16th century holds an important place in the history of England. There were two revolutions
during this period that was changed the face of European history. - The
Renaissance and Reformation which prepared the background for the emergence of
the modern Europe. Reformation ended with the
separation of the many European nations from the Church of Rome and became the
basis for the founding of Protestantism. yet George Gillespie remarks- Reformation ends not in Contemplation, but
in action.
Key people of Reformation
- Martin
Luther
- John
Calvin
- Thomas
Cranmer
- Henry
VIII
- John
Knox
- Phillip
Melanchthon
- Thomas
Muntzer
- Huldrych
Zwingli
- John
Wycliffe
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