Background Information
The Enlightenment was an intellectual revolution in Europe in the 1700s and is often considered to have had a major impact upon the development of Christianity. This era of philosophy and thought aimed to challenge the existing power structures and to question Church dogma in favor of reason and critical thinking. Enlighteners held that knowledge and truth were to be found through human experience and observation rather than relying solely on tradition. Such ideas were opposed by many religious authorities, who saw it as a threat to their authority. This conflict between religious authority and scientific knowledge came to a head during this period, as these new ideas challenged existing conventions and beliefs.
Discourse of Reason
During the Enlightenment, the discourse of reason became increasingly popular. This ideology asserted that humans had an innate faculty of reason which could be used to understand the world and to guide society. Such ideas advocated free thought and the ability of humans to use logic to construct their own moral and ethical codes, thereby challenging the existing religious authority. This idea of an individual as the source of knowledge and creator of morality led to a revolution in thinking on religion and philosophy.
Denial of Supernatural
The Enlightenment also led to a denial of many supernatural elements in Christianity. This was due to the adoption of the scientific method, which was based on the careful and systematic observation of the natural world. This led to the rejection of theological concepts such as the Trinity and Resurrection, as they could not be empirically verified. The idea that rational and systematic thought could explain the world without the need for religious authority was a cornerstone of Enlightenment thought, and had a profound impact on Christianity.
Separation of Church and State
The Enlightenment also brought about the separation of Church and State, as it was argued that religious practice should be kept separate from public life. This was based on the idea that religious belief is a personal matter, and that the government should not interfere in private beliefs. This separation of Church and State led to new freedoms, as religion could no longer be used to enforce political power.
Devotion to Civic Virtue
The Enlightenment also led to a new emphasis on civic virtue and public life. Rather than relying solely on religious faith, Enlightenment thinkers posited that human beings had the responsibility to build a fair and just society. This led to an increased focus on the importance of education, and the ideal of using knowledge and reason to improve society.
Great Awakenings
The Enlightenment also contributed to the rise of the Great Awakenings, a series of revivals of religious feeling in Europe and America. During this period, a new emphasis was placed on the individual and the importance of personal relationship with God. This was a stark contrast to the Church’s emphasis on hierarchy and orthodoxy. The Great Awakening thus redefined what it meant to be a Christian, placing the emphasis on personal faith rather than simply adhering to Church dogma.
Criticism of Orthodoxy
The Enlightenment era also saw a growing criticism of orthodox Christianity. In particular, challenges were made to the traditional interpretations of Scripture, which often contradicted natural scientific discoveries. Such criticism led to a new emphasis on biblical criticism, in which an individual was encouraged to study the bible in a more rational and critical way. This placed an emphasis on personal interpretation rather than simply relying on the authority of the Church.
Criticism of Dogma
The Enlightenment era also saw a rise in criticism of religious dogma. This criticism sought to discredit traditional interpretations of scripture, and to challenge religious authorities who claimed to have exclusive access to divine knowledge. This led to a re-examination of Christian beliefs and practice, and to a greater emphasis on reason and empirical evidence in theological debates.
Influence on Theology
The Enlightenment had a significant impact on the development of Christian theology. Its emphasis on reason and observation led to the questioning of traditional interpretations of Scripture, and to a renewed focus on the insights of reason and empirical evidence. This in turn led to the development of rationalistic systems of belief which sought to reconcile faith and reason. Such developments had a major impact on the development of Christian thought and practice.
The Legacy of Enlightenment
The Enlightenment had a profound effect on Christianity and its theology. Its emphasis on reason, critical thinking, and freedom of thought fundamentally shaped the way in which Christianity is practiced today. The rise of the Great Awakenings, the separation of Church and State, and the emphasis on civic virtue are all examples of the lasting impact the Enlightenment had on Christianity.
