Definition

1. Noun:
   • The Counter-Reformation: The period of Catholic revival beginning with the Council of Trent (1545–1563) and ending at the close of the Thirty Years' War (1648), initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation. It involved a reaffirmation of Catholic doctrine, the founding of new religious orders like the Jesuits, and efforts to curb the spread of Protestantism.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The Counter-Reformation led to significant reforms within the Catholic Church.
  • Art and architecture from the Counter-Reformation period are often highly dramatic and emotional, intended to inspire faith.

Advanced Usage

• "as a result of the Counter-Reformation": used to describe outcomes stemming from this historical movement.
  • The renewed emphasis on education was a direct result of the Counter-Reformation.
• "Counter-Reformation theology": refers to the specific doctrines and theological positions solidified during this period.
  • The seminary focused heavily on the study of Counter-Reformation theology.

Variants and Related Words

• Counter-Reformation (adj): Used attributively to describe things related to this period.
  • Counter-Reformation art; a Counter-Reformation pope.
• Catholic Reformation: A term sometimes used synonymously or to emphasize the internal reform aspects of the movement.
• Tridentine: Pertaining to the Council of Trent, the central ecclesiastical council of the Counter-Reformation.
  • Tridentine Mass; Tridentine decrees.

Synonyms

• Catholic Revival: Emphasizes the renewal aspect.
• Catholic Reform: Highlights the internal corrective measures.

Notes on Meaning

• Historical Period vs. Movement: The term primarily denotes a specific historical period and the set of actions (ecclesiastical, political, artistic) taken by the Catholic Church. It is always capitalized as it is a proper noun referring to a major historical event.
• Distinction from "Reformation": The Reformation refers to the 16th-century movement that led to the establishment of Protestant churches. The Counter-Reformation is the Catholic Church's direct response to it.

Noun

1. the reaction of the Roman Catholic Church to the Reformation reaffirming the veneration of saints and the authority of the Pope (to which Protestants objected); many leaders were Jesuits