West European Studies

In his book, Hatchard, a secularist, claims that  Christianity injures the world by condoning evil  (9). While the influences of religion, especially in relation to Christianity may not be thoroughly encompassing so as to control society in modern times, during the middle ages it is generally accepted that the Church had unparalleled power. However, during the late middle ages people eventually realized that concerns have been ensuing and even emerging due to its influences not necessarily or entirely due to faith and teachings but are rather due to how the leaders of the Church have manipulated society and gained wealth. Hence, the emergence of both the renaissance and the reformation during the late middles ages may be considered as a direct response to the problems brought forth by Christianity such as the lack of emphasis upon the individual and the inappropriate manner in which the Church functioned during such a period in history.

Among the greatest issues which emerged during the late middle ages is the lack of emphasis upon innate human nature and capability. In particular, instead of considering each person as an individual with his or her own aspirations and traits the Church perceives humanity in a generalized manner which is initially accomplished through baptism (Chastel et al. 47). Of course, if the both intrinsic and unique characteristics of an individual would be disregarded then growth, both personal and societal, would be compromised. Furthermore, the Church and its teachings emphasize that each individual must solely comply with Christian norms,  which in turn supposedly satisfies the both the Divine Creator and religious leaders. Thus, to reiterate, it is clear that during the late middle ages, one of the most pressing concerns would be the lack of focus upon the significance of the self.

In addition to the aforesaid concern, corruption and inappropriate interpretations of the Holy Scripture also became an issue throughout the late middle ages. To further expound,  questions regarding the suitability of the teachings and actions of the Church, in terms of being saved from eternal damnation, began to manifest deviations from Christs philosophy have been noted even by some members of the Church itself. Furthermore, doubts about the manner in which Church leaders live and utilize wealth have also been given emphasis. Wealth became directly associated with the Church as its leaders became entirely represented by those with noble lineages in addition, salvation was eventually made into a matter of materialistic endeavor as payments became part of the process of forgiveness.

As noted beforehand, both the renaissance and the reformation may be considered as a response to such problems during the late medieval ages. In particular, the renaissance movement became a significant means in which the humanistic perspective was able to be revived. Albeit not entirely a means through which the Churchs views are challenges, as renaissance art was also associated with depictions of the divine, the reformation allowed individuals to consider a myriad of endeavors to their liking. Such is the reason as to why renaissance is associated with artistic and technological advances. It would be appropriate to assume that individuals no longer solely focused upon the importance of following the ways of the Church but also considered the relevance of pursuits aimed at furthering the status, meaning, and progress of oneself as well as humanity.  

While the renaissance may be considered as a response to concerns pertaining to the lack of emphasis upon individualistic and humanistic pursuits throughout the middle ages, the reformation on the other hand may be considered as an attempt to find the most appropriate means of attaining salvation. The reformation, as initially began by numerous groups which have criticized the Roman Catholic Church, at times pointed out that the Bible should be translated into local languages and that the pope has continuously applied his authority in an unjust manner. Of course, in relation to the topic of reformation, it would be necessary to highlight the contributions of Martin Luther.  Considered as the greatest and most well discussed criticism of the Church, Martin Luthers Ninety-Five Thesis required changes even to the most common practices of the Church.

Without doubt, throughout the discussion, several of the most pressing concerns during the late medieval ages revolved around the Roman Catholic Church. In this sense, it would not be surprising at all to discover that emerging movements were also directed either towards the Church, its leaders,  or its ways. To reiterate, both the renaissance and the reformation are reflections of the changing times throughout the middle ages wherein individuals, which were previously entirely driven by divine laws, eventually realized that changes must be brought forth if humanity would further progress holisitcally. Therefore, as a result, art, technology, and even faith underwent changes which may correctly be considered as the roots of significant societal improvements and advances throughout the Western world if not for all humanity.