Western Civilization II
It is during the period between the 15th and 18th Century that religion experienced very fundamental changes. During this period Christianity was the most popular religion and the period was characterized by a number of stages: Early 1500 there was a discovery stage that was characterized by movement of the Spanish and Portuguese westwards over the ocean in search of gold and other fortunes. Trade is on e of the factors that contributed to the spread of religion in Europe as Missionaries tagged along the European conquerors, traders, and colonists.
Reformation and counter-reformation also known as the age of religious wars is a major notable period. This period runs between the 1560’s to the 1598 the period was characterized by religious wrangles for instance the Protestant and Catholic Reformations. More over there was a prevailing medieval mentality linking religion to political issues that made it impossible for the Protestants and Catholics to bare the rule of the other. There were also a lot of diseases that made the population left a bit more religious.
The 17th century was characterized by immigration, increase in population, and increase in literacy levels and also increases in organized religion. There were religious structures built, the religious books were translated and there was an increase in religious freedom.
The 18th Century was marked by a lot of civilization and low zeal for religion. It is during the 18th Century that the society experienced a lot of growth in other areas like sports, medicine, industrial aspects and agriculture hence the drop in zeal for religion.
Work Cited
Greyerz, Kaspar von. Religion and culture in early modern Europe, 1500-1800. London: 2008, Oxford University Press.
