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Christian Humanism Research Paper

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Shortly after the middle ages ended, around the 14th century, new beliefs and ideas began to take place in Europe. These ideas focused on challenging ancient beliefs (this is known as Renaissance Humanism) and the rediscovery of Christian documents (This is known as Christian Humanism). Education began to have more value, and man began to think more selfishly.

The period in which this takes place is known as the Renaissance. Scholars during this time, began to take new approaches to the more traditional way of thinking that was common at the time. This allowed for exploration in all subjects. Machiavelli, who took inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman civilization, wrote a book called "The Prince" in which he shares his ideas on how to be a proper ruler. He states: "It is better to be feared than …show more content…

Christian humanism was an innocent movement based on the rediscovery of Christian documents (with a focus on the New Testament). Scholars reread these texts and and reinterpreted them them in a way that fit the Renaissance way of thinking. Popes during this time however, were corrupt and and did not honor their vows in the slightest. They were appointed for political reasons and did not know how to rule the Church properly. The Catholic Church as a whole, began abusing it's power by selling indulgences and simony. Since Christianity was already under scrutiny due to Christian Humanism, it was not long before people began to speak out against the Church (although most of them failed, and got burnt at the stake). One of the most influential men of the Protestant Reformation is Martin Luther. He is the author of the 95 thesis (everything wrong with the Catholic Church according to Luther). Because of this, he was excommunicated and eventually started his own church. This paved the way for all other Christian

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