Identify two specific ways the Catholic Church tried to stop the spread of Protestantism.
(4 points)
1) The Catholic Church used the Counter-Reformation as a means to combat the spread of Protestantism. This movement, initiated by the Council of Trent (1545-1563), aimed to address the issues raised by Protestant reformers and to reaffirm Catholic doctrine. The Council of Trent made several reforms within the Catholic Church, such as clarifying and solidifying church teachings, improving the education and training of clergy, and strengthening the Church's hierarchical structure. The Counter-Reformation also led to the establishment of new religious orders like the Jesuits, who played a significant role in reclaiming territories affected by Protestantism and converting people back to Catholicism.
2) The Catholic Church also utilized the Inquisition as a means to suppress Protestantism. The Inquisition was a judicial institution that aimed to identify, persecute, and eradicate heresy, including Protestant beliefs and practices. It employed methods such as torture, public punishments, and censorship to maintain Catholic orthodoxy and suppress Protestant ideas. The Inquisition was particularly active in countries like Spain, where it played a crucial role in combating Protestantism during the 16th and 17th centuries.