The Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation was a response to the Protestant Reformation, aiming to renew the church while reaffirming traditional Roman Catholic doctrines. Initiated in the 16th century, it was formalized through the Council of Trent (1545-1563), which clarified Roman Catholic positions on key theological issues. The council reaffirmed the authority of both Scripture and tradition, rejected the Protestant doctrine of sola scriptura, and maintained the church's role in interpreting Scripture. It also addressed justification, linking it closely with sanctification.

The Counter-Reformation saw the emergence of new religious orders, most notably the Jesuits, founded by Ignatius Loyola, which was established to advance Roman Catholic education, missions, and the combating of heresy. In ethics, the church expanded on the natural law approach, building on Thomas Aquinas' work. This movement also emphasized mysticism, particularly in Spain, and renewed focus on spirituality. The Counter-Reformation's impact was significant, with the Jesuit order growing from 1,000 members at Ignatius' death to over 15,000 a century later.

Roman Catholicism