History of the Catholic Church from the Renaissance to the French Revolution — Volume 1

"History of the Catholic Church from the Renaissance to the French Revolution" by Rev. James MacCaffrey is a journey through a turbulent time for the Catholic Church, marked by clashes between old beliefs and new ideas. From the artistic boom of the Renaissance to the world-changing French Revolution, the book uncovers how the Church evolved amidst big social and political changes. It spotlights key moments, like the Reformation led by figures such as Martin Luther, and how the Church reacted to these challenges. The story begins by painting a picture of the Renaissance, where traditional Church teachings bumped up against Humanism and a growing sense of individual freedom, highlighting a move away from the Middle Ages towards more modern ways of thinking, creating a foundation for understanding the religious and political effects of the Reformation that would soon dramatically reshape the Church and Europe.