The Inner Life of Catholic Reform: From the Council of Trent to the Enlightenment

Ulrich Lehner's The Inner Life of Catholic Reform provides a comprehensive overview of the spiritual ideas and sentiments of the Catholic Reform period following the Council of Trent, emphasizing the personal and spiritual dimensions of the reform. He explores how Catholics sought salvation and how their spiritual ideas shaped their view of the world, making Catholicism a global religion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In his comprehensive work, "The Inner Life of Catholic Reform," Ulrich Lehner delves into the profound sentiments and spiritual ideas that emerged during the 250-year period following the Council of Trent, known as Catholic Reform. While numerous studies have explored the political aspects, institutional history, and social transformations of this era, the inner life—the spiritual core—of Catholic Reform has largely been overlooked. Lehner contends that reform was not merely a result of institutional changes, new laws, and social control. Rather, it began with personal reform and an earnest endeavor to live in a state of grace.

Lehner's objective is to take these religious commitments seriously and understand them on their own terms. He explores the central question that permeated the minds of early modern Catholics: What actions did they undertake to secure salvation and earn God's favor? Through a meticulous examination of a vast array of published and unpublished sources, as well as secondary literature, Lehner documents the transformative period in history when Catholicism became a global religion.

Drawing from a diverse range of regions, including Europe, Africa, America, and Asia, Lehner provides a comprehensive account of the spiritual ideas that emerged during this period. He traces how these ideas shaped the Catholic view of the world, transforming it into a more inclusive and compassionate faith.

"The Inner Life of Catholic Reform" is a seminal work that sheds light on the overlooked aspect of Catholic Reform. By delving into the spiritual motivations and practices of the time, Lehner offers a fresh perspective on this significant chapter in history. His meticulous research and insightful analysis make this book a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Catholicism's past.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 163 x 245 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197620601