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The condition of the Church, c1500–1517

the origins of the Reformation, c1500–1531: The condition of the Church, c1500–1517

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88 min

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AqaA LevelHistory2C The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564 (A-level only)

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The condition of the Church, c1500–15174 objectives

The Church: secular power and influence; the clerical hierarchy; Church courts; influence in government; influence on daily life.
The Church: religious power and influence; Church doctrine, teachings and belief; the sacraments, salvation, the role of the priest and of 'good works'.
Criticism of the Church; Pope Alexander VI; papal and clerical corruption; humanism: Colet, More and Erasmus; heresies and anti-clericalism.
Church finances, indulgences, popular piety and the extent of demand for reform.

Clerical HierarchyTitheSacramentsGood WorksIndulgencesSimonyReformationClerical Corruption

Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing the influence of the Church, always include specific examples such as the role of tithes or the function of Church courts.
Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing the Church's influence, include specific sacraments or doctrines to illustrate your points.

Confusing Church courts with secular courts: Clarify that Church courts dealt specifically with moral and ecclesiastical issues, while secular courts handled civil and criminal matters.
Confusing the roles of faith and works: Remember that the Catholic doctrine taught that both faith and good works were essential for salvation before the Reformation.

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