1. THE NORTHERN RENAISSANCE * less dramatic - more of a blend of old and new ideas *more religious in nature than Italian Renaissance *included the regions of present-day England, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland *Printing press helped spread Italian writings northward

2. SIMILAR TO THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE: Sought to develop human powers to understand and control physical nature Emphasized the emancipation of humanity’s limitless potentialities

3. MYSTICISM DEF - Belief that the individual could, in perfect solitude, communicate directly with God There was no need for speech, community, church, or priest - a philosophy that threatened the church

4. LAY RELIGION Church was viewed with skepticism - as an institution out to keep its influence and power Like mystics, they felt there was no need to look to a self-interested clergyman for spiritual guidance Founded organizations that provided spiritual guidance - early religious schools outside the clergy

5. CHRISTIAN HUMANISTS - Goal - to deepen understanding of Christianity & restore its vitality. UNIVERSITIES THRIVED IN GERMANY - shunned by humanists as too rigid, they nonetheless were centers of medicine, law, and theology ECONOMY - trade thrived, towns increased in size and number Gutenburg - invented moveable type - printed works FUGGERS - wealthy banking family of Germany - rivaled Medici’s of Florence

6. Copernicus - Polish astronomer - Heliocentric theory of solar system

7. PARACELSUS - early prototype of medical scholar - still mixed with occult DR. FAUSTUS - a historical/legendary character - probably a scholar of late 15th century - believed to have sold his soul to the devil to acquire his secret knowledge and power Marlowe (Eng) & later Goethe (Ger) wrote stories based on the legend

9. ERASMUS Greatest northern humanist - Clergyman, scholar, supporter of Greek ideal of moderation - Criticized church corruption, supported Catholic doctrine -Courted by popes, kings, wealthy for council In Praise of Folly – famous work criticized Church corruption

10. Utopia - his book about an ideal, peaceful society Sir Thomas More - England - Criticized politics, religion, society - executed by Henry VIII for criticism of his break with Rome