Methods and Models of Spiritual Revitalization of the Roman Catholic Church during the Protestant Reformation: Lessons for the 21st Century Church-Strategy for Revival

Garba Henry Marcus

Methods, Models, Protestant Reformation, Revitalization, Roman Catholic, Spiritual

The study examines the approaches that sparked an institutional transformation of Roman Catholic spirituality during the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation was a clarion call upon the spiritual decay of the church, and the agitation for the overhaul led many to disengage from the Roman Catholic church. However, such a decision led the Catholic church to set up machinery for a restructuring within the institution. This study carefully explores the attempted ecclesiastical approaches that were adopted to improve and return the catholic church to active spirituality. The measures that were employed brought some transformation that strengthened the spirituality and unity of the church, which has helped the ecclesiastical structure in preserving her spiritual heritage. Questions have been asked as to why the Roman Catholic church has developed a sustainable system of promoting its spirituality. The contemporary church is craving for a revival, and it is debatable whether the church of the 21st century can learn from the successful approaches of Catholicism. This study does not aim to justify Catholicism or promote Catholic spirituality but offers a challenge to the church today on the need to develop a sustainable approach of preserving and promoting a contextual spirituality that makes meaning to the everyday life of people.