Church, Religion and Society in Early Modern Italy

ISBN-13: 9780333618448 / Angielski / Twarda / 2004 / 315 str.

Christopher F. Black

Opis

Christopher F. Black assesses the nature and extent of church reform demands within sixteenth-century Italy, then concentrates on religious society after the supposed watershed of the Council of Trent (1546-63), through the seventeenth century. Black considers structural reform through dioceses and parishes, changes in parish life, religious education, the pursuit of "good works," and attempts at enthusiastic persuasion via church environment, art, music and festivities. Two controversial issues, the Inquisition's role and the stricter enclosure of nuns, receive special attention.

Spis treści

List of Maps.- Preface.- Acknowledgements.- Religious Crises and Challenges in Early Sixteenth-Century Italy.- The Council of Trent and Bases for Continuing Reform.- Centre and Peripheries: The Papacy, Congregations, Religious Orders.- Episcopal Leadership.- Parish Priests and Parishioners.- Religious Education.- Confraternities, Hospitals and Philanthropy.- Nunneries and Religious Women.- Repression and Control.- Churches, Cultural Enticement and Display.- Conclusion: Successes and Failures.- Popes in Early Modern Europe.- Appendix: The Italian Bishoprics.- A Brief Reading Guide.- Bibliography.- Index.

O autorze

CHRISTOPHER F. BLACK is Senior Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Glasgow, UK.

Blurb

Many Italians in the early sixteenth century challenged Church authority and orthodoxy, stimulated by religious 'Reformation' debates and the lack of agreement on alternatives to Rome's leadership. This book surveys and analyses the various positive and negative responses which led to a re-formation of Church institutions, and parish life for the lay population, especially after the Council of Trent in 1563.

Church, Religion and Society in Early Modern Italy:
- discusses the roles of bishops and parochial clergy, seminaries and religious education
- examines religious orders and lay confraternities, particularly in relation to 'good works' or philanthropy
- explains the varied uses of the visual arts, music, processions and festivities to enthuse and educate the laity
- pays special attention to two controversial issues: the Inquisition's role and the stricter enclosure of nuns

Comprehensive yet approachable, Christopher F. Black's volume incorporates diverse religious practices and experiences, and explores the successes and failures of reform throughout mainland Italy during a period of religious and social upheaval.