The Effect of Humanism on the Formation of the Reformation
- Author:
- Kamyar Pour Esmaeil Motlagh Paskeh
- Level:
- Master
- Subject(s):
- Abrahamic Religions
- Language:
- Farsi
- Faculty:
- Faculty of Religions
- Year:
- 2018
- Publisher:
- URD Press
- Supervisor(s):
- Behrouz Haddadi
- Advisor(s):
- Ahmadreza Meftah
Titled as “the effect of humanism on the formation of the Reformation”, the present thesis, employing descriptive-analytical method, surveys the identity of renaissance humanism and especially explores how it affected the formation of the Reformation. Sources of the research include books published about its title such as English sources or works translated into Persian, and internet sources as well. As a literal, cultural and deeply-religious current, the renaissance humanism affected the formation of the Reformation. Humanists paved the way for the establishment of the Reformation through reviving and spreading early literature, publishing the Bible and the writings of the Fathers, calling for return to the origins, education, criticizing the church, and being influenced by The Manual of a Christian Knight, as well. Early reformists such as Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and Bucer, grew up in humanistic environment, affected by humanism, specially such philology, as a result. Influenced by the achievements of humanists regarding the New Testament, Luther came up with the idea of “by Scripture alone”. For instance Zwingli, s early reformative plan was totally humanistic, since he interpreted the bible as humanists did. Also influenced by Erasmus, Calvin believed that salvation is a Christ-oriented issue. His thoughts about accommodation is affected by Erasmus. The influence of Erasmus on Bucer is mostly discernible in the latter, s approach towards morality. If the particular characteristic of humanism lies in its methods rather than its teachings, we can conclude that the prominent figures of early the Reformation were humanists, since they continued to use humanistic methods despite distancing such thoughts. As a result, it could be claimed the Reformation is originated from humanism. It could be said the Reformation is a humanistic movement because it is religious, reformist, retrospective and pro-ethics, and holds a critical approach toward the Catholic Church.