The World of Catholic Renewal, 1540-1770

Abstract

In this authoritative and thoroughly-researched volume, Professor Hsia presents a clearly-argued and eloquently-written synthesis of the history of Catholicism from the post-Reformation to the pre-Revolution era, a 250-year period of dramatic reorganisation, reform and international mobilisation of the Roman Catholic Church that had a profound influence on the development of civilisation as we know it today, and which came to an end towards the end of the eighteenth century as orthodox doctrines entered into conflict with the ideologies of the modern era. The chronology, fittingly, begins with the establishment of the Society of Jesus in 1540 and ends with its suppression in 1773. The Company emerges from the pages of this book as definitive of the very essence of Catholic renewal. In his historiographical introduction, Hsia provides a useful definition of the key concepts that underpin the analysis that follows: Counter-Reformation, confessionalism and dechristianisation. He divides his study into four main themes, the contours of which are well sign-posted throughout: firstly, the role of the religious elite (bishops, clergy, male and female religious) in reinforcing ecclesiastical authority via their own internal reform and their strengthening of lay devotion to the faith through the dissemination of doctrine to their flock; secondly, an exploration of how national differences across the geographical divide shaped religious landscapes and experiences, informing spiritual styles and ecclesiastical politics; thirdly, the history of the cultural encounter between Catholic Europe and the non-Christian world in Asia, Africa and the Americas, forged through conquest, settlement and evangelisation and fourthly, the impact of Catholicism on the arts and its application to the lives and religious practices of society as a whole. Although this interpretation of such a vast historical landscape is necessarily selective, it nevertheless incorporates a depth of understanding drawn from a wide range of multi-lingual sources that reflect the latest trends in research. The book is particularly strong on the personalities that made history happen: Ignatius Loyola, Frances Xavier, Carlo Borromeo and Teresa of Avila to name but a few. Furthermore, it brings to the fore a number of important issues contingent upon the theme of Catholic renewal that are not always given sufficient treatment in general histories of the period, such as the making of saints, female enclosure, the function of art, the role of censorship, as well as the Asian and African faces of Catholicism. An appropriate balance is drawn between the body of beliefs and practices enshrined in elite spirituality in contrast to popular forms of devotion and the limited success of the reform movement in bridging the gap between the two. This text is an indispensable tool for students of the early modern period and is equally of use to those engaged in scholarly research in the field. It is well-worthy of its second edition.

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