Similar to the earth-shaking events in the colonies, the changing landscape in Western Europe in the late eighteenth century shaped history and the Church. Most significant is that of the French Revolution. The revolution was the result of the aristocracy and King Louis XVI. While economic conditions collapsed and poverty swept over the land, the King and members of the ruling class lived in luxury and opulence. A move to establish a Third Estate (i.e. French Parliament) backfired as the clergy and nobility moved politically to form a National Assembly. These events led to a Civil Constitution that included reforms for the Church. Pope Pius VI would not agree to the constitution, but the king could not stand against the assembly. Ultimately, this led to the execution of the king and many others via the guillotine. However, the most significant impacts of the revolution were to the church and the onset of reason as its own religion, the “Cult of Reason,” which later became the “Cult of Supreme Being.”
As the new Europe emerged from the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars of the late eighteenth and …show more content…
In contrast to the movements described above, Friedrich Schleiermacher, known as the father of Liberal Theology attempted to reconcile enlightenment movements with traditional Protestant Christianity. Throughout the nineteenth century, other theologians continued to speak out and take on the intellectual challenges brought about by the social and enlightenment movements. In summary, the separation of church and state started in eighteenth century along with the Industrial Revolution and upheaval of the family structure in the nineteenth century brought about significant changes for Protestant Christians. These changes set the stage for the seeds planted to truly manifest in the fast approaching twentieth
As the new Europe emerged from the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars of the late eighteenth and …show more content…
In contrast to the movements described above, Friedrich Schleiermacher, known as the father of Liberal Theology attempted to reconcile enlightenment movements with traditional Protestant Christianity. Throughout the nineteenth century, other theologians continued to speak out and take on the intellectual challenges brought about by the social and enlightenment movements. In summary, the separation of church and state started in eighteenth century along with the Industrial Revolution and upheaval of the family structure in the nineteenth century brought about significant changes for Protestant Christians. These changes set the stage for the seeds planted to truly manifest in the fast approaching twentieth