COUNTERREFORMATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Counterreformation refers to a movement within the Roman Catholic Church during the 16th and 17th centuries as a response to the Protestant Reformation. It was a concerted effort by the Catholic Church to safeguard its teachings, reclaim those who had converted to Protestantism, and counter the spread of Protestant ideas.
The Counterreformation aimed to reform the internal practices of the Catholic Church, addressing issues of corruption and immorality within the clergy. It sought to reaffirm the authority of the Church and emphasize its role as the sole mediator between God and humanity. To achieve this, the Counterreformation intensified religious rituals, liturgical practices, and devotion to saints and the Virgin Mary.
The movement also witnessed the establishment of new religious orders, such as the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), which played a significant role in propagating Catholicism and providing education. Education and missionary activities were crucial aspects of the Counterreformation, as the Church sought to reaffirm Catholic doctrine and spread its influence in regions where Protestantism had gained a foothold.
In addition, the Counterreformation responded to Protestant criticisms by convening the Council of Trent (1545-1563). This ecumenical council clarified Catholic doctrine and reaffirmed the validity of the seven sacraments, the authority of the Pope, and the importance of tradition alongside Scripture.
Overall, the Counterreformation can be seen as a comprehensive and multifaceted effort by the Catholic Church to counter the Protestant Reformation and restore its influence, bringing about reforms that addressed concerns within the Church and reasserting its theological and doctrinal authority.
Common Misspellings for COUNTERREFORMATION
- counter refomation
- xounterreformation
- vounterreformation
- founterreformation
- dounterreformation
- ciunterreformation
- ckunterreformation
- clunterreformation
- cpunterreformation
- c0unterreformation
- c9unterreformation
- coynterreformation
- cohnterreformation
- cojnterreformation
- cointerreformation
- co8nterreformation
- co7nterreformation
- coubterreformation
- coumterreformation
- coujterreformation
Etymology of COUNTERREFORMATION
The word "counterreformation" is derived from the combination of two terms: "counter" and "Reformation".
1. "Counter" originates from the Latin word "contra", which means "against" or "opposite". "Contra" evolved into the Old French term "contre" and subsequently into the English word "counter".
2. "Reformation" comes from the Latin word "reformatio", which means "restoration" or "renewal". It derives from the verb "reformare", which combines "re-" (indicating "again" or "again and again") and "formare" (meaning "to form" or "to shape").
The term "counterreformation" was first coined by German Protestant writers in the early 17th century to refer to the efforts made by the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation.
Similar spelling words for COUNTERREFORMATION
- counterbalanced,
- countervailing duty,
- counterbalancing,
- counterrevolution,
- counterrevolutionist,
- counterirritant,
- counterrevolutionary,
- counterfactuality,
- counter-revolutionist,
- counterterrorism,
- counteractively,
- counterattraction,
- counter reformation,
- counterespionage.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
