Anticlericalism in Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe

Traditionally anticlericalism has been regarded as a significant historical factor, by some historians even as the unifying focal point for the host of movements known as the Reformation of the sixteenth century. In forty-one essays eminent historians of culture, religion, and society redefine and redirect the debate regarding the scope and impact of European anticlericalism during the period 1300-1700. The meaning of reform and resentment is here clearly articulated and the sentiments are analyzed which were directed first against all levels of the Roman hierarchy and later as well against the evangelical pastor.
Using sources drawn from a wide variety of city and village archives, of literary genres and theological tracts, the articles presented here uncover the clusters of reform hope and bitter resentment directed toward parish priest, monk, bishop and pope, in addition to the early Protestant clergy. The volume highlights the continuity and discontinuity of anticlerical passion, language, goals and actions between the late medieval and Reformation periods.

Peter A. Dykema is a member of the Division for Late Medieval and Reformation Studies at the University of Arizona and was the Director of the Conference on Anticlericalism.Heiko A. Oberman, formerly of Harvard University and the University of Tubingen, is presently Regents Professor of History at the University of Arizona.