From Desert Asceticism to Vatican II: The 2,000 Year History of Christian Reform

From the age of the apostles to Vatican II, the Catholic Church has evolved and invigorated itself. Now, you can take a riveting journey through Church renewal and reform with award-winning historian Christopher M. Bellitto, Ph.D.

When we first encounter the words “reform” and “renewal” in talking about the Catholic Church, we might think of Vatican II and the idea of aggiornamento—“updating.” But the history of reform is nearly as old as the Church itself. In this riveting audio course, you will discover how the Church has revitalized itself while remaining rooted in unchanging truths throughout the millenia. Thoughtful Christians will explore the importance of balancing the past and the future, revolution and evolution, and innovation and tradition.

After an overview of the study of reform and renewal, you will see how these elements developed in the early Church, where the first monastic communities emphasized personal reform. You will then explore the Middle Ages, looking at such events as the Carolingian Renaissance, the Gregorian Revolution, and the Church councils. You will then encounter Martin Luther, various Protestant reforms, and the Council of Trent. Finally, you will look carefully at Vatican II, examining its importance for modern-day reform.

Gain brilliant insights into the history of Church renewal in this essential course.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide.

This course was previously published as Renewing Christianity: 2,000 Years of Church Reform

Learn about downloadable programs.

Your Free Electronic Study Guide! When you order this course, we will send you a free electronic study guide that you can access in 3 convenient ways:

1) You can check your order confirmation email. It will include a link that enables you to download your guide.
2) The back of your program package also contains a copy of this link. You can access your guide by simply entering this URL into your browser.
3) Your case of CDs or DVDs will contain a copy of your electronic guide on CD. Simply insert this disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive to access your guide.