Rethinking Catholicism in Renaissance Spain

Rethinking Catholicism in Renaissance Spain explores how theology and canon law shaped ideas, debates, and decisions about key political and religious problems in Renaissance Spain. It demonstrates that there was a wide spectrum of ideas in the field of theology and canon law, including Church and Crown relations, diplomatic controversies, doctrinal debates on slavery, ecclesiological disputes, and theories for distinguishing heresies and repressing them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Rethinking Catholicism in Renaissance Spain delves into the profound influence of theology and canon law on shaping ideas, debates, and decisions concerning key political and religious issues during the Spanish Renaissance. This comprehensive study explores Catholic thought during this transformative period, with a focus on the ecclesiology and heresiology of the era. While these subjects are now recognized as distinct branches of theology, they were intertwined with canon law during the Spanish Renaissance.

Ecclesiology, which delved into the internal structure and organization of the Church, played a crucial role in shaping the prevailing ideologies and discussions. It examined the role of the Pope, bishops, and clergy in the governance of the Church and sought to understand the relationship between the Church and other institutions of power. The chapters in this book showcase a diverse range of ideas within the field of ecclesiology, including discussions on Church and Crown relations, diplomatic controversies, doctrinal debates on slavery, ecclesiological disputes in dialogue with the Council of Trent, and theories for distinguishing and repressing heresies.

In contrast to the traditional perception of Spanish Catholic thought as monolithic in ecclesiastical matters, the chapters in this book reveal a wide spectrum of ideas. They demonstrate that theologians and canon lawyers of the Spanish Renaissance engaged in lively debates and discussions, exploring various theological perspectives and legal frameworks. This diversity of ideas contributed to the rich tapestry of Catholic thought during this period and helped shape the political and religious landscape of Renaissance Spain.

Rethinking Catholicism in Renaissance Spain is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in Church history, political history, and the history of political and legal thought. It provides a comprehensive examination of the interplay between theology, canon law, and the major political and religious issues of the Spanish Renaissance, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted nature of Catholicism in this period. By exploring the diverse range of ideas and perspectives, this book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the complex and dynamic world of late medieval and early modern Catholicism.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032292205