Two important ways the Reformation and Enlightenment shaped the development of Christianity in America were by emphasizing the role of the individual's relationship with Christ and legitimizing the individual's ability to question religious authority.
Although many Protestant denominations emphasize the corporate (or communal) aspects of Christianity, the Reformation placed special emphasis on the individual's spiritual walk with Christ. Specifically, Martin Luther promoted the idea of the "priesthood of all believers," thus asserting the ability of...
Two important ways the Reformation and Enlightenment shaped the development of Christianity in America were by emphasizing the role of the individual's relationship with Christ and legitimizing the individual's ability to question religious authority.
Although many Protestant denominations emphasize the corporate (or communal) aspects of Christianity, the Reformation placed special emphasis on the individual's spiritual walk with Christ. Specifically, Martin Luther promoted the idea of the "priesthood of all believers," thus asserting the ability of lay people to interpret Scripture through the help of the Holy Spirit. Enlightenment ideas bolstered this emphasis by promoting the free agency of the individual.
The Enlightenment and Reformation also created a zeitgeist in which it was acceptable to question authority. The Reformation began because people such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church to be the sole interpreter of Scripture. The Enlightenment promoted the use of reason and skepticism rather than blind faith. While individual Protestant denominations often resisted challenges to their authority (i.e. the Puritans in Massachusetts), the vast number of American Protestant denominations is indicative of the fact that most American Protestants feel justified in founding their own denominations to match their specific interpretations of Scripture.
No comments:
Post a Comment