Middle Ages vs. the Renaissance Essay - 736 Words

There are many contrasts in the beliefs and values of the Renaissance and the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages was a time of great suffering, including famine and widespread disease. The Renaissance, however, was a revival of art, learning, and literature. Their views of the purpose of life in the present world and mans place in the world was, perhaps, the greatest contrast. However, their views on politics, religion, and education were very different as well. The purpose of life and mans place in the world was viewed differently during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. During the Middle Ages, also known as The Age of Faith, mans purpose was to serve God. Life was looked upon as a journey. The focus of life was on the afterlife†¦show more content†¦On the other hand, Republicanism was considered to be the best form of government during the Renaissance because the individual could realize his fullest potential by serving the state. According to Leonardo Bruni, the rule of one person was harmful to the common good. Thus, the republican government was considered to be stronger than the monarchy. Religion was also viewed differently. The Catholic Church was the one universal church during the Middle Ages. People believed that only church officials could interpret the scriptures. People also believed in the absolute authority of the church. During the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation led to the development of many churches. People believed that each individual could interpret the Bible for himself. The church no longer had absolute authority as it did during the Middle Ages. Education was approached differently as well. During the Middle Ages, the focus of education was on studying the Bible and debating spiritual questions. Since the common people were not allowed to read the Bible, they were told what to think. The purpose of education in the Middle Ages was to pass the Moral Test and be rewarded with eternal joy in the afterlife. However, during the Renaissance, the focus of education was on learning from past history and experience and observations of the present world. There was a scientific and rationalistic attitude toward viewingShow MoreRelated Middle Ages vs Renaissance2279 Words   |  10 Pages Life during the middle ages (1066-1485) was dictated by how much money you had. Were you a noble? Or were you a peasant. Your quality of life was in direct proportion to your status. Lords of the Noble class ruled territories, also known as villages. These villages mainly consisted of one room houses, with maybe a church and a blacksmith shop. Peas ants or serfs lived in these villages and worked under said Lord. Daily life was all about survival. 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McCoy April 10, 2016 This paper will discuss the origins of humanity and three major periods: Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Enlightenment. The relevance of evolution, natural selection via Charles Darwin, intelligent design, and scientific creationism. Then the human thought and social thought on these epochs will be further debated. Biblical reference hasRead MoreRenaissance Ideals of Humanism Are Expressed in the Italian Art of the Period970 Words   |  4 PagesDiscuss how Renaissance ideals of humanism are expressed in the Italian art of the period, referring to specific works and artists. During the fourteenth century Italy witnessed notable changes, which throughout the next couple of centuries extended towards northern Europe. This was later described as the Renaissance, the cultural achievements through sixteenth centuries; those achievements rest on the economic and political developments of earlier centuries. 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