Globalization of Christianity (1450-

1750)

Beau Junker

Standard• 9.4.3.10.1: Describe the Reformation and

Counter-reformation; analyze their impact throughout the Atlantic world

Objectives• In what ways did the Protestant Reformation

Transform European society, culture, and politics?• How was the European imperial expansion related

to the spread of Christianity?• In what ways was European Christianity

assimilated into Native America cultures of Spanish America?

• Why were missionary efforts to spread Christianity so much less successful in China than in Spanish America?

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=0DNDFH-ddlab7M&tbnid=lMY5qKT4SkhC3M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://kimolsen.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/95-theses-to-the-modern-evangelical-church/&ei=dNZuUr_YMeWSyAGp2oD4BA&bvm=bv.55123115,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNErWyxq0dPn3a9bMuiJ8tN5Uuo6zA&ust=1383081942284091

The Protestant Reformation• Martin Luther posts 95 Theses (1517)• Rapid spread

o Lutheran, Calvinist Anglican, Quaker, Anabaptist (all oppose pope)

• Theological differenceso Religious authority: Bible vs. Pope and church hierachyo Role of the pope: Denied authority vs. ultimate authorityo Salvation: By faith alone vs. church sacramentso Mary: Less prominent vs. Highly Prominento Prayer: To God alone vs. To God but often to Mary and other saintso Clergy: No distinct spiritual status vs. mediator between God and

laypeople

The Counter-Reformation• The Council of Trent (1545-1563)

o Aims to keep Catholic traditions and power of the popeo Corrects abuse and corruptiono Cracks down on religious dissidents

Political, Social, and Economic

Tensions• Political

o Kings dispute authority of the popeo Divides society within states and Europe as a whole

• Socialo Opposition of social order

• Economico Many see no legitimacy in taxes imposed by the Catholic church

Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648)• Catholic-Protestant struggle

o Religious differences within the stateo Protestants show no allegiance with pope

• Destructive and violento Involved almost all of Europe

• Peace of Westphaliao Recognized state sovereignty, control of religious affairs internallyo Decentralizes Catholic states throughout Europe

Global Expansion of Christianity

• Map Pg. 726-727• Christianity motivates expansion• Americas vs. Chinese conversion

Spanish America (1492-1750)• Spaniards saw expansion as long tradition of

Crusading• Most successful conversion attempt• Lack of literate native religion

o Small-scale, orally based religions had no stability

• Overwhelming European presenceo Military, colonial settlement, missionary activity, forced labor

Religion• Spanish see military success as demonstration of

Christian God’s powero Natives agree

• Christianity is exclusive religious trutho Aimed at entire population

• Resistanceo Uprisings

Women in Spanish America• Previously served as priests, shamans, ritual

specialists• Many refuse crown and God• Convent life reserved exclusively for Spanish

women

Culture• Significant in Andean and Mexican regions• Attempt to blend Christianity and local religion

o Saints closely relate to precolonial godso Rituals contain both Christian practices and local practices

Chinese Conversion (1400-1700)

• Largely unsuccessful• Jesuits attempt to convert Chinese Elitist

o Brought European knowledge: science, technology, geography, mapmaking

o Attempted to appeal to educated elitisto Respected Confucian traditions and textso Few convert