The Reformation And Reformation: The Renaissance And The Reformation

The Renaissance and the Reformation were two of the most cataclysmic time periods in western civilization. Following a period known as the “Dark” or “Middle” Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation were critical in shaping the course of human history. The Middle Ages was a period in Europe that was centered around the Church and its affairs. Following this heavily religious time period, the Renaissance and Reformation brought a new emphasis on the individual. Human capacity and reason were highlighted as individuals began to recognize corruption in the Church and the need for change. The Renaissance and Reformation championed the cause of an individual’s freedom and independence.
However, the two periods did not seek the same resolutions to the Church’s corruption. The Renaissance …show more content…
In contrast, the Reformation thinkers believed that humanity was inherently sinful because of the Fall and this was reflected in the corruption of the Church. Reformers sought to use the Bible as their ultimate authority and to return to a true Gospel.
One of the most prominent Reformers was Martin Luther. Throughout his effort to bring change to the Church, Luther reintroduced the clear Biblical truths of the priesthood of all believers and justification by faith through Christ. Martin Luther gleaned these doctrines from his reading of Scripture. In Hebrews, the teaching of the priesthood of all believers through the work of Christ is explained, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’ This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he