Church, Religion and Society in Early Modern Italy. European Studies Series

Christopher F. Black assesses the nature and extent of church reform demands within Sixteenth Century Italy, then concentrates on religious society after the supposed watershed of the Council of Trent (1546 63), through the Seventeenth Century. Black considers structural reform through dioceses and parishes, changes in parish life, religious education, the pursuit of 'good works', and attempts at enthusiastic persuasion via church environment, art, music and festivities. Two...
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Christopher F. Black assesses the nature and extent of church reform demands within Sixteenth Century Italy, then concentrates on religious society after the supposed watershed of the Council of Trent (1546 63), through the Seventeenth Century. Black considers structural reform through dioceses and parishes, changes in parish life, religious education, the pursuit of 'good works', and attempts at enthusiastic persuasion via church environment, art, music and festivities. Two controversial issues, the Inquisition's role and the stricter enclosure of nuns, receive special attention.