Invention Of The Printing Press Theology Religion Essay Example
Invention Of The Printing Press Theology Religion Essay Example

Invention Of The Printing Press Theology Religion Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
  • Pages: 9 (2233 words)
  • Published: November 6, 2017
  • Type: Research Paper
View Entire Sample
Text preview

The Renaissance, spanning from the 14th to the 17th Century, is seen as a link between the Middle Ages and modern times. It started in Italy but later spread throughout Europe, greatly influencing literature, philosophy, art, music, politics, science, and religion. In terms of politics, Italian city-states during this period were leaders in recognizing the significance of diplomacy. Scholars extensively studied diplomacy during this time and Lorenzo de' Medici was widely regarded as an expert in this area.

Furthermore, during the Italian Renaissance, the city states were at the forefront of abolishing feudal structures that were common in Europe. In terms of economics, the Renaissance also witnessed the development of various modern establishments. Additionally, in Italy specifically, it was a capitalist society with wealth playing a significant role in determining social status. This rapidly growing and

...

advancing society influenced other countries to adopt certain aspects of their own economies based on the models of the Italian city states.

The Renaissance had a societal impact by increasing wealth for the general population, partly due to the Bubonic Plague causing layoffs and the invention of the printing press allowing for more book production. This made books more accessible, promoting academia. The Renaissance also led to cultural expansion with brilliant minds and artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. In terms of art, it brought about a change in painting style and how artists portrayed individuals.

Masaccio portrayed Adam and Eve in his painting "Ejection from the Garden of Eden" with a raw and distressed appearance. The artwork had a powerful and expressive reflection of the human form, utilizing the relatively new technique of incorporating shading and light to creat

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

depth. Leonardo da Vinci would later further develop these techniques in his own artworks. These artistic elements were heavily influenced by humanist scholars, who aimed to cultivate a society capable of clear communication and writing. Humanism involved the scholarly study of Latin and Greek classics, as well as ancient Church teachings, both for their intrinsic value and in hopes of revitalizing ancient norms and values. Humanists advocated for a comprehensive liberal arts education that encompassed grammar, poetry, history, politics, and moral philosophy.

The initial humanists consisted of orators and poets, composing original literature in both classical and vernacular languages. Their works were influenced by and imitated the newly unearthed writings of ancient figures. The distinctive concept of the humanists played a significant role in transforming various aspects of human existence. Another major influence lay within the Church.

The corruption of the church deteriorated primarily because of multiple factors, among them Pope Julius II and his actions. Born in 1443, Pope Julius II held the position of Pope from 1503-1513 during the heightening of the Renaissance. His employment of Machiavellian strategies earned him monikers like "The Fearsome Pope" and "The Warrior Pope." Additionally, he was recognized as "The Renaissance Pope" due to his endorsement of contemporary artists.

During the Renaissance era, artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bramante flourished in their careers and made significant contributions to Vatican projects sponsored by Julius II. This period was characterized by a strong desire for knowledge, whether it involved mastering new artistic techniques or becoming proficient in writing. During this time, the ideal individual was someone who sought knowledge across various disciplines, earning the title of a "Renaissance Man."

Moving forward to a

different historical period, from 1348 to 1350, humanity experienced the devastating effects of the Black Death pandemic. This catastrophic event led to the loss of approximately 75 million to 200 million lives.

Although the Black Death did not directly cause the Renaissance, it played a role in its inception. While it had a devastating effect, resulting in the deaths of millions, there were some advantages to be found. Before the outbreak, the majority of people were serfs with limited prospects. However, those who managed to survive the plague realized that their skills and labor were now highly sought-after. This led to conversations about better compensation and increased opportunities for skilled individuals across various social classes.

1378 - 1417: The Western Schism

The Western Schism refers to the split within the Catholic Church, where two individuals claimed to be pope simultaneously. The Council of Constance, held in 1414, played a crucial role in resolving this issue by securing the surrender of antipope John XXIII and the replacement of Pope Gregory XII in Rome with Innocent VII. Additionally, the council excommunicated Avignon Pope Benedict XIII, who refused to step down.

1450- Invention of the Printing Press

The invention of the printing press was a significant development during the Renaissance era. This device, which emerged around 1450, enabled the transfer of ink onto various materials such as paper or fabric. It involved applying pressure to an inked surface, thus transferring the ink onto the chosen medium. Despite its simplicity, the printing press acted as a major bridge connecting the Renaissance to the Modern Era.

Before the invention of the printing press, books, including

Bibles, were scarce. The posting of Luther's 95 Theses became easier after the invention of the Printing Press. This newfound ability to produce books on a large scale greatly contributed to the cultural boom of the Renaissance.

1452- 1519 Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci was a brilliant figure of the Italian Renaissance. He excelled in almost every field, but his paintings and innovations are what he is best known for.

This vast exploration of the country, along with his genius, transformed him into a representation of the Renaissance human ideal. In Leonardo's youth, Florence was the hub of Christian Humanistic thought. Consequently, his paintings depicted the rapid changes in artistic style and techniques.

According to one account, it is believed that Luther affixed his 95 Theses

to the door of the All Saints' Church in Wittenberg. In Luther's 95 Theses, he made three main points.

Luther objected primarily to the sale of indulgences for financing St. Peter's construction, questioning why the Pope didn't use his own funds for it. Luther argued that selling St. Peter's and using the profits to help those in need would be more beneficial than relying on indulgence sales for its creation.

Luther's second main point was questioning the Pope's authority over Purgatory and why he doesn't abolish it if he has the power to release people from it. Additionally, Luther's third main point argued that purchasing indulgences gives a false sense of security and puts one's redemption at risk.

1521- Excommunication of Luther

Pope Leo X, born on December 11, 1475, served as Pope from 1513 until his death in 1521. He is most famous for granting indulgences to those who donated towards the reconstruction of St. Peter's Basilica, responding to Luther's 95 Theses, and subsequently excommunicating Luther. His predecessor, Julius II, initiated the destruction and rebuilding of St.

Peter's Basilica was not finished during Julius' time, but in 1505 he decided to tear down the old basilica and build a magnificent tomb for himself, which increased his popularity. When Pope Leo X became pope in 1513, he needed money to continue building St. Peter's Basilica. To raise funds, he offered indulgences to those who donated towards the renovation of the basilica.

The construction of the current structure, known as Peter's Basilica, took 120 years and involved the collaboration of Pope Leo X, other Popes, and designers. Luther wrote the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517 to express his opposition to the

papacy's sale of indulgences. These Theses strongly criticize clerical misconduct, particularly regarding the sale of indulgences.

Pope Leo X faced opposition from reformists and non-believers, so he deployed several theologians and diplomats against Luther over the next three years. However, instead of weakening Luther's anti-papal beliefs, these actions only strengthened them. Initially, Dominican theologian Sylvester Mazzolini drafted a case of heresy against Luther, leading Leo to summon him to Rome. Later, Elector Frederick persuaded the Pope to have Luther examined at Augsburg, where the Imperial Diet was taking place. In October 1518, Luther expressed to apostolic legate Cardinal Cajetan that he did not consider the papacy as part of the true Church based on the Scriptures. The hearings ultimately devolved into a heated altercation.

Luther's opposition to the Church and creation of the 95 Theses made him an enemy of the Catholic Pope. Cajetan was ordered to arrest Luther unless he renounced his beliefs, but the Elector protected Luther and prevented Cajetan from carrying out the arrest. Luther managed to leave without permission from Cajetan. However, on January 3, 1521, Pope Leo X expelled Luther from the Catholic Church through a decree called Decet Romanum Pontificem. Three months later, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V summoned Luther to defend his beliefs at the Diet of Worms. He became famous for refusing to comply and because he defiantly refused to disavow his writings, the emperor labeled him as a criminal and heretic.

The death of Luther in 1546 had a significant impact on Western civilization and its future, despite his protection by powerful German Princes. Pope Leo X, who was also known as the "Pleasure-Loving Pope," desired to enjoy

his pontificate while serving as Pope. There are rumors that Leo X said to his brother Giuliano, "Since God has given us the Papacy, let us enjoy it." And indeed, he did enjoy it. During his travels, Pope Leo X indulged in extravagant parades that included jaguars, fools, and Hanno – a white elephant.

Leo X was not only extravagant, but he was also generous in his charitable acts. He annually distributed over 6,000 ducats in alms. Additionally, he elevated the Church to a prominent position as a supporter of knowledge and a promoter of a cultured existence. He established Rome, the capital of Christendom, as the epicenter of European civilization. Moreover, he commissioned the restoration of Santa Maria in Domnica church based on the designs of Raphael and pushed forward the construction of St.

Peter's Basilica and the Vatican were reformed by Leo's fundamental law on November 5, 1513, as the Roman university was neglected under Julius II. Leo X restored all aspects of the university, increased the wages for professors, and brought in esteemed instructors from distant locations. Pope Leo X's contributions to art and literature, his political aspirations and needs, and his excessive personal indulgence quickly depleted Julius II's saved funds within two years.

Leo X faced a financial crisis that he ultimately never recovered from. In order to alleviate this crisis, Leo X engaged in various activities such as selling Cardinals' hats, obtaining ranks in the "Knights of Peter," and borrowing significant sums of money from bankers, curials, princes, and Jews. The funds received by Leo X through these means, as well as from indulgences, jubilees, and specific fees, were spent just as quickly

as they were acquired. To combat the financial difficulties he faced, the Pope resorted to liquidating castle furniture, precious gems, and even statues of the apostles. As a result of his excessive spending habits, the death of Leo X led to numerous banks and individual creditors being financially ruined.

Reports indicate that Pope Leo X spent an amount equivalent to the entirety of Julius II's treasury, as well as his own earnings and those of his successor. The relevant information can be accessed through the following URLs: - hypertext transfer protocol: //europeanhistory.boisestate.edu/latemiddleages/renaissance/historyren.shtml - hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Death - hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indulgence - hypertext transfer protocol: //www.history.com/this-day-in-history/martin-luther-excommunicated - hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther - hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ninety-Five_Theses - hypertext transfer protocol://www.paradoxplace.com/Perspectives/Chronologies/Part % 202 % 20 % 20World % 20of %20Middle % 20Ages.htm - hypertext transfer protocol://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Julius_II - hypertext transfer protocol://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Leo_X-Hyperttransfer text protol:/ / en .wikipedia .org / wiki /Printing_press-Hypertransfer text protol:/ / en .wikipedia .org / wiki/St._Peter's_Basilica-Hypertransfer text protol:/ / wiki.answers.com/Q.What_are_some_interesting_facts_about_Pope_Leo_X- Hypertransfer text protol:/ / en.wikipedea .org/wik i/Renaissance- Hypertransfer text protol:/ / en.wikipedea .org/wik i/Art_patronage_of_Julius _II- Hypertransfer text protol:/ / en.wikipedea .org/wik i/Niccol%C3%B2_Machiavelli- Hypertransfer text protol:/ / en.wikipedea .org/wik i/Humanism- Hypertransfer text protol:/ / en.wikipedea .org/wik i/Middle_Ages- Hypertransfer text protol:/ / en.wikipedea .org/wik i/Leonardo_da_Vinci- Hypertransfer text protol:/ / www.all-about-renaissance-faires.com/renaissance_info/economic_social_and_religious_change_in_the_renaissance.htm-Hypertransfer text protol:/ / www.rhetcomp.gsu.edu/~jlawrence/2110_Renaissance_Dates.htm-Hypertransfer text protol:/ /en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Armada- hypertext transfer protocol: //answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090819074439AACQ6JB - hypertext transfer protocol: //answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100606122534AAkLNws.- An additional URL can be found at hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Schism, and a fourth one is available at hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Expulsion_from_the_Garden_of_Eden.- The book "AP Achiever ( Advanced Placement* Exam Preparation Guide ) for European History ( College Test Prep ) [ Paperback ]" was written by Chris Feller and published

by McGraw-Hill.There is no specific publication date mentioned. Another book that is mentioned is titled "The Western Heritage, Eighth Edition".

N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2013.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New