Final answer:
Saint Philip Neri advocated for personal piety and helping the poor over indulgences. This attitude aligned with Northern Renaissance humanism's focus on spiritual reform and personal virtue. Figures like Francis of Assisi and Martin Luther similarly called for a more authentic Christian practice centered around charity and personal faith.
Step-by-step explanation:
Saint Philip Neri encouraged people to emphasize personal piety and religious devotion through actions such as helping the poor and needy over external practices like indulgences. Reflecting attitudes of the Northern Renaissance humanism and the ideological shift from outer religious acts to inner transformation, he believed that becoming better Christians through personal acts of charity would lead to a reformation of the church. By focusing on living a life modeled after Christian teachings and virtues such as humility, charity, and personal piety, individuals could strengthen their faith and contribute to a more virtuous society.
In the larger context of Late medieval and Renaissance Christian philosophy, figures like Francis of Assisi promoted the humanity and poverty of Christ, while others envisioned the emotional depth of Biblical figures. This marked a move towards a deepened personal religious experience and individual moral responsibility. Practices like those encouraged by Saint Philip Neri were part of this broader movement, which sought spiritual reform and a more intimate and compassionate practice of the Christian faith.
Martin Luther's Ninety-five Theses later echoed this sentiment, criticizing the Church's practice of selling indulgences and advocating for a more sincere, inward religious practice grounded in charitable deeds. Luther suggested that true Christian teaching should prioritize helping the poor and suggested a need for change in the church's practices.