WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -To understand the Protestant Reform movement, we need to go back in history to the early 16th century when there was only one church in Western Europe-what we would now call the Roman Catholic Church-under the leadership of the Pope in Rome.

Detailed explanation-2: -The resulting split divided the European Christian church into two major branches: the Western Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Detailed explanation-3: -During these years, popes strove to make Rome the capital of Christendom while projecting it, through art, architecture, and literature, as the center of a Golden Age of unity, order, and peace. Papal officials came from many nations to promote a united Church.

Detailed explanation-4: -Most people remained devout Catholics. However, the basic spirit of Renaissance society was secular-worldly rather than spiritual and concerned with the here and now. Even church leaders became more worldly.

Detailed explanation-5: -Although Renaissance culture was becoming increasingly secular, religion was still important to daily life, especially in Italy, where the seat of Roman Catholicism was located. A good portion of Renaissance art depicted scenes from the Bible or was commissioned by the church.