What were the responses of the Catholic authorities in the sixteenth century to the challenges posed by the Lutheran Reformation?
The Catholic Church responded to the challenges posed by the Lutheran Reformation. The Council of Trent was created in order to change the Catholic Church. The ideas of the Lutheran reformation were becoming popular and therefore, the Catholic Church had lost many followers. The Council of Trent began the Catholic reformation by abolishing the corruption of the Catholic Church. In addition, the Council wanted to prevent the growth of Protestantism and affirm the beliefs of Catholicism. The Council of Trent was the key response to oppose the Lutheran Reformation. Catholic authorities got rid of corruption within the church. For example, absenteeism, simony, pluralism, and the selling of indulgences, were abolished. Bishops were no longer able to practice absenteeism or pluralism. They were not able to hold more than one church office at a time nor were they able to be absent from the spiritual duties of the position they held. Furthermore, simony was no longer tolerated. People were no longer able to purchase church offices. In addition, the Catholic Church ended the selling of indulgences. The life of the priest was changed. Seminaries were made to train priests and make sure they were literate. Priests were forced to stay celibate and live life in poverty. Catholic authorities were forced to take action and brought much change to the Catholic Church. Catholic authorities began affirming the beliefs of Catholicism. Authorities stated faith and good works were necessary in order to achieve salvation. They had also stated they believed in transubstantiation, where the bread and wine would turn into the body and blood of Christ during consecration. Catholic authorities had acknowledged the 7 sacraments and Ideas such as monasticism, celibacy of the clergy, and purgatory. The Pope’s teachings were infallible and the Pope continued to interpret scripture for the people. Reaffirming Catholic beliefs was an important process because it allowed people to see the