luther Refomation: 1500's

more concerned with the present life than the after life.

Rituals

• Called upon Church "white magic" and rituals for comfort and control over weather, crops, droughts.
• Rituals often had no link with recognised form of worship.
• Growth of rituals shows continued spread of religion into normal life.

Importance of saints

• Saints were approachable- Virgin Mary was important  intercessory
• Saints called upon to bless questionable activities. Aim of rituals was to achieve personal gain.
• Educated church men found manipulation of rituals for their own gain to be inapropriate.

Elite religion

• Some just as superstitious of their faith as peasant (Frederick of Saxony)
• Main concern was fate of their soul in the after life- consequently aimed to live out a good christian life.
• Elite invested in good causes which brought spiritual benefit. (fithteenth century- disposing of all assets)

Humanism

• Branch of elitism
• Humanists interest in Greek literature and biblical studies led their beliefs to become biblical based---> consequently judged aspects of western religion.
• contemptuous of popular piety.
• Originally welcomed by elitists as they too were serious about religion.
• Humanists influencial in education of younger generations.
• Erasmus became spokesman for humanists in 16th century.