Final answer:
The Catholic Church fought back against the ideas of the Protestant Reformation through the Council of Trent, the Jesuit Order, and the Spanish Inquisition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Catholic Church fought back against the ideas of the Protestant Reformation through various means:
- The Council of Trent: In 1545, the Catholic Church held the Council of Trent, where it affirmed that both good works and faith were required for salvation, and that scripture (interpreted by the church) and tradition were acceptable sources of authority. The council also enacted reforms such as prohibiting the sale of indulgences, limiting bishops' power, and improving the education of clergy.
- The Jesuit Order: The Jesuits, founded by Ignatius of Loyola, played a crucial role in combating Protestantism. They focused on education, establishing schools and universities to reinforce Catholic doctrine and counter Protestant teachings.
- The Spanish Inquisition: Spain, a Catholic stronghold, used the Spanish Inquisition to suppress heresy and eliminate Protestant influences. The Inquisition employed harsh interrogation methods and punished those found guilty of heresy, further preventing the spread of Protestant ideas.