Religion and Society in Early Modern Italy

Abstract

Christopher F. Black assesses the nature and extent of church reform demands within sixteenth-century Italy, then concentrates on religious society after the supposed watershed of the Council of Trent (1546-63), through the seventeenth century. Black considers structural reform through dioceses and parishes, changes in parish life, religious education, the pursuit of "good works", and attempts at enthusiastic persuasion via church environment, art, music and festivities. Two controversial issues, the Inquisition's role and the stricter enclosure of nuns, receive special attention.