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How did the Catholic Church respond to the Protestant Reformation, Provide at least 3 examples.

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Answer:

The Catholic Church responded to the Protestant Reformation through a Counter reform, rebuilding the Church by ending corruption in all forms. This is clear through 3 examples which I will explain below: 1- Ending monastic corruption. 2- Implementing formal education to priests, particularly the Jesuits. 3- Reaffirming the magisterium of the Church in matters of biblical interpretation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The protestant reformation exposed some weaknesses in the Church, which led to a Catholic counter reformation. It's objective was to restore Catholic morality and education by freeing it from the errors of protestantism.

The first example refers to the corruption present in Spanish Clergy, which was plagued by immorality mainly due to lack of education. In order to end this corruption, the Archbishop of Toledo, Francisco Jimenez, dismissed corrupt clergy, ended immoral practices and established a formal education in the principles of Catholic morality, philosophy and theology.

In second place, pope Paul III approved the order of the Jesuits, founded by Ignatius of Loyola. It's main purpose was to prescribe formal education to future priests, consisting on a Bachelor of Arts, Masters in Theology and Doctorate in Theology. This would allow the priests to found new monasteries, write theological works, and consequently limit the outreach of protestantism.

In third place, the church counteracted the protestant interpretation of sola scriptura, scripture is sufficient in order to access revealed truth, by reaffirming the magisterium of the Church. The Catholic Church, through the magisterium, is an indispensable aid in interpreting scriptures. Also, the magisterium established that faith and good works are necessary for salvation.

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