This week in Church History studies

Subject: The Founding of the Jesuits and the Catholic Reformation


The Jesuits. Perhaps the first major contribution of the Jesuits I found in this weeks lesson was their zealous efforts to “win back” to Catholicism the European regions that had become predominantly Protestant as a result of the Protestant Reformation. The Jesuits were prolific at starting and operating schools and universities, in which in addition to teaching faith, they taught arts, sciences, and philosophies. Also, they were extraordinarily mission oriented. Just reading about the mission exploits of Francis Xavier into the Orient alone, was quite inspiring. No other mission outreach could even compare to Xavier’s efforts for at least another 100-200 years!

Other Religious Orders. Many of these new orders made significant impacts throughout history, influencing missionary work and reinforcing the significance of personal spiritual growth. Examples of these orders are the Theatines, the Capuchins, the Observant Franciscans, the Reformed Franciscans, and the Discalced Carmelites.

Pope Paul III. The nature of the papal activity began to seriously change starting with him. He organized a select committee of church leaders to examine on a broad scale, what changes needed to be made in the Church.He oversaw the last major effort to heal the schism between the Protestant and Catholic Church, since it was during his tenure that the Regensburg Colloquium was convened.

Colloquium of Regensburg. "Last ditch" effort to rejoin Protestants and Catholics. They were able to agree on some basic Christian doctrines, but breakdown in useful dialogue eventually led to Catholics convening in Trent in order to bolster Catholic Reformation doctrines and dogmas.

Council of Trent. Solidified the Protestant and Catholic breech for centuries to come. Reforms of Trent set in motion massive renewals of Catholic energy, devotion, and temporal success. (Noll 210).

Blessings!
George