You Can't Have One Without The Other: Renaissance and Reformation

Often times we speak of the Renaissance and Reformation periods hand in hand, sometimes as if they were the same. However, I believe that if we are to truly understand the evolution of humanity and understand how modern society came to be, it is crucial to understand the distinction between these two periods.

1) The Renaissance: a time of learning and intellectual growth

The principle idea that I believe describes the Renaissance period is that of “Sprezzatura.” The nonchalance, intellect, and wittiness of one who demonstrates Sprezzatura is a defining factor of the Renaissance because it is the embodiment of the cultural change that occurred during this period. As was stated by Cherileigh in her blog post called "Bach's Got Sprezz?"(link below), we learn that sprezzatura applies to any time period and any situation, so long as it increases the intellect or status of those involved. While the Dark Ages were a time of spiritual obscurity and unbelief in the worthiness of man, the succeeding  Renaissance was the rebirth of the idea of the divinity of man and the importance of intellectual growth. I say rebirth because this humanistic idea of the divinity of man was not brand new. One of many examples of this idea is the Ancient Roman belief in the potential of man. Thanks to Ad Fontes (going back to the sources), the Renaissance facilitated the rebirth of the belief in the good that man has within him. Sprezzatura was demonstrated in the Renaissance as people actively sought to grow intellectually. If only putting on a fake face of intelligence, people began to seek out learning to be viewed as elite and knowledgeable.

2) Martin Luther driving the Reformation 

This “sprezzaturic” culture of open mindedness and an interest in learning opened the door for the Reformation to take place. The Reformation could not have taken place without the Renaissance first having occurred because of the need for open-minded people who might be willing to go against the grain of societal culture. Up until this point, humanity believed that intellect was directly associated with being among the elite of society. But as all desired to improve themselves, it became apparent that within religion there was not equality in opportunity, and only the elite had the ability to come closer to God. Opposition against the Catholic church resulted in individuals such as Martin Luther stepping forward to break down the barrier that had been built in society. 

The open-mindedness that occurred in the Renaissance period resulted in the ability for the Reformation to take hold in the hearts and minds of truth seekers. No longer was spiritual learning only something that was available for the elite, but for all. That same open-mindedness allowed the invention of the printing press to take hold, and further break down the barriers that hindered the lower classes.

3) The plower was historically a
lower rank in society

An example of the change in perspective that occurred between the Renaissance and Reformation periods can be seen in a comparison of the Sermon of John Colet and the Sermon of Hugh Latimer. Although both men address the issue of spirituality and obedience, Colet writes pre-Reformation, addressing the clergy (elite) using proper language and a meticulously structured argument, demonstrating Sprezzatura and intellectual adeptness. On the other hand, Latimer writes post-Reformation and directs his words to the common man, using a metaphor of a plower. Although both spoke on the same topic, there was a difference in both men’s views as to who was worthy to hear their words. Stephen Rackleff's blog post called "Martin Luther and Anti-Materialism" (link below) makes a great point about the view of man's worthiness during the Reformation period as he explains that Luther was a humanist in that all people were worthy to learn, regardless of status or material things.

The Renaissance and the Reformation periods are similar due to the dramatic growth and social change that occurred in each of them. However, they are also very different because of the manner in which the social change occurred. But regardless of their differences, it is clear that one could not have occurred without the other.

Cherileigh's "Bach's Got Sprezz?" - https://rhetciv.blogspot.com/2018/09/bachs-got-sprezz.html?showComment=1537848876951#c4070184762700641662

Stephen Rackleff's "Martin Luther and Anti- Materialism" - https://rhetciv.blogspot.com/2018/09/martin-luther-and-anti-materialism.html?showComment=1537411135234#c7846465948698898239

Images:
1) http://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/renaissance-part-5-art
2) http://www.ripr.org/post/brown-university-historian-martin-luthers-legacy-and-reformation#stream/0
3) https://library.calvin.edu/hda/node/7860