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"Protestant Reformation" — a misnomer?

The figures that sought to reform the Catholic Church in the sixteenth century AD ended up setting up their own churches instead, and the Catholic Church remained as it was then until the Council of Trent, so why do we still refer to the period as the "Protestant Reformation" and not as something like the "Protestant Schism"?
Because it actually did result in very far-reaching long-term effects on culture in the broadest terms, setting up differences still somewhat perceptible today between NW Europe/N America, Med Europe, E Europe and so on. The schism of churches was only part of the whole picture.
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SlaveofAll
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Original post by Justvisited
Because it actually did result in very far-reaching long-term effects on culture in the broadest terms, setting up differences still somewhat perceptible today between NW Europe/N America, Med Europe, E Europe and so on. The schism of churches was only part of the whole picture.

The phrase might still give the impression that the reformers succeeded in reforming the Catholic Church even though the church thwarted their efforts by excommunication.
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The word reformation means to straighten thoroughly; rectify, it refers to the thoughts and practice of Christianity.
Various practices and doctrines of the RCC were seen as corrupt, the release of the scriptures through use of the printing press means many people could no longer blindly follow what the RCC was imposing upon them.

They were aided by various kings, princes & others who just wanted the lands and money that the RCC was taking from them.

The RCC would not be reformed in fact it persecuted those who tried, the only solution was to begin again returning to what was understood from the scriptures.
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SlaveofAll
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Original post by NJA
The word reformation means to straighten thoroughly; rectify, it refers to the thoughts and practice of Christianity.
Various practices and doctrines of the RCC were seen as corrupt, the release of the scriptures through use of the printing press means many people could no longer blindly follow what the RCC was imposing upon them.

They were aided by various kings, princes & others who just wanted the lands and money that the RCC was taking from them.

The RCC would not be reformed in fact it persecuted those who tried, the only solution was to begin again returning to what was understood from the scriptures.

However, referring to the attempt by figures such as Luther and Calvin in the sixteenth century to reform the Catholic Church as the "Reformation" can mislead readers into thinking that they managed to reform the church, as they ended up receiving excommunication and setting up their denominations. "Schism" is a more apt label for the event.
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NJA
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Original post by SlaveofAll
However, referring to the attempt by figures such as Luther and Calvin in the sixteenth century to reform the Catholic Church as the "Reformation" can mislead readers into thinking that they managed to reform the church, as they ended up receiving excommunication and setting up their denominations. "Schism" is a more apt label for the event.

The RCC was as much concerned with politics and economics as matters of faith, empowering and enriching itself at the expense of it's subjects, so various interest groups were happy to jump on Luther's bandwagon with their own agendas.

There are from "The Reformation" by Edith Simon
20210928_131813.jpg20210928_131828.jpg
" . . . The universal character of mediaeval religion was broken, never to be restored"
(edited 2 years ago)

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