Introduction
Humanism was a broad movement that emerged during the Renaissance period which emphasised the value and dignity of all humans, in contrast to the Middle Ages when Christianity was seen as the most important and powerful force. This article will examine how humanism challenged the way medieval attitudes towards Christianity were understood and how it transformed the way religion was perceived.
Avant-Garde vs Traditional
The humanist movement was seen as very forward-thinking, as it focused on the potential for personal growth and intellectual exploration. It was in stark contrast to the traditional attitude to Christianity of the Middle Ages, which saw the church as being the ultimate authority and God as vital to understanding one’s own destiny. Humanism focused more on the individual and how they could control their own fate, and thus was seen as a major shift in thinking.
Historical Examples
The medieval period saw the establishment of numerous religious institutions, such as monasteries, abbeys and convents, which were aimed at providing a sense of community and security for the people of the time. By contrast, humanists rejected this way of life and instead explored different pathways, such as travel, learning, and the study of classical texts.
Notable examples of humanist exploration included Erasmus, a Dutch theologian, who focused on personal reform rather than the traditional religious teachings of the Catholic church. Similarly, the Italian poet Petrarch developed an interest in rediscovering and learning from classical Latin writings, which was far removed from the focus on the scriptures found in medieval literature.
Challenging the Church
Humanism further challenged the traditional attitudes towards Christianity by shifting the focus away from the church to the individual. This led to increased scepticism of the church’s claims to power, and resulted in individuals questioning the notion of orthodoxy. This in turn created a level of freedom which allowed individuals to explore different aspects of religion, rather than being bound by one set of beliefs.
Furthermore, humanism challenged the notion that the church was the only source of spiritual insight and knowledge. In contrast, humanists encouraged curiosity and investigation, and allowed for the emergence of differing perspectives and interpretations of the scriptures. This eventually led to the Protestant Reformation and the eventual breakdown of the Catholic domination in Europe.
Reception of Humanism
The humanist attitude towards Christianity was not particularly well-received initially, and was seen by some as a threat to the established religious order. This is particularly evident from the responses of the Church which sought to combat this new way of thinking. Nonetheless, the ideas put forth by humanists eventually gained traction, and in the end had a profound impact on the way religion was seen and understood by individuals.
Moreover, the humanist movement provided an opportunity for individuals to engage in meaningful thought and debate, rather than simply adhering to religious norms. It enabled the emergence of new ideas which in turn gave rise to further questioning and exploration of religion and belief.
Accompanying Philosophies
The humanist movement not only challenged the traditional view of Christianity, but it also opened up new philosophies which had huge implications for the way in which individuals understood and interacted with their world. The Renaissance period saw a shift away from religious orthodoxy and instead focused on the individual. This led to the emergence of new ideas, such as humanism, which challenged individuals to think for themselves instead of relying on the Church for guidance.
Furthermore, there was a renewed focus on the potential for personal growth and exploration. During this period, individuals started to explore further potential for knowledge and understanding which allowed them to view the world from a different perspective and gain a newfound appreciation for the potential of humans.
New Pathways
Along with a new way of seeing the spiritual landscape of the time, the humanist movement also provided new pathways for individuals to pursue their own interests and intellectual curiosity. The disciplines of philosophy and the sciences were made more accessible to the public, which allowed individuals to think outside of the realm of the Church. This was hugely influential in the development of modern thinking, as the humanist movement created a space for individuals to explore different ways of thinking and ideas which had previously been off limits to them.
In addition to this, the humanist movement also created a platform for creativity and artistic expression. This can be seen in the works of such Renaissance figures as Michelangelo, Botticelli and da Vinci, all of whom used their artistry to challenge the norms of the time and to create something totally new and revolutionary.
Conclusion of the Humanist Movement
Ultimately, the humanist movement had a huge impact on the way Christians understood their faith and interacted with the world. It opened up the possibility for individuals to think for themselves and have greater control over their own spiritual journey. The humanist way of thinking ultimately led to the downfall of the church’s power, and the emergence of new philosophies, sciences and arts.
