Catholic Revival in the Age of the Baroque: Religious Identity in Southwest Germany, 1550-1750

by Marc R. Forster

Overview

This book seeks to explain the origins of the Catholic identity of the population of southwest Germany between 1550 and 1750. Many studies of this subject credit rulers and church leaders with creating and enforcing religious identity in Germany "from above." In contrast, this study argues that there were important local and religious reasons why people came to consider themselves loyal Catholics; and in order to understand the origins of Catholic identity, it examines the nature of "Baroque Catholicism"—including the significance of pilgrimages, processions, confraternities, and other religious ceremonies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521780445
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/05/2001
Series:	New Studies in European History
Pages:	284
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.75(d)
Lexile:	1570L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

List of maps; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Introduction; 1. The Counter-Reformation offensive, 1550–1650; 2. The sacral landscape and pilgrimage piety; 3. Religious practice; 4. Clericalism in the villages; 5. The communal church in German Catholicism; 6. Reformers and intermediaries, 1650–1750; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"It is to Forster's great credit that he allows all parties and factors to be significant and does not seek to impose his own pattern on the whole...If this volume parallels Forster's previous study of contemporary and nearby Bavaria, this enhances the value of both books. Academic libraries, and perhaps parishes with roots in Southwet Germany, will want to add this useful volume." Catholic Library World

"...thoughtful and well-researched monograph..." Catholic Historical Review

"This felicitous, thought-provoking, well-constructed book will be of interest both to students and scholars of the Counter-Reformation and of peasant/popular culture, as well as those trying to understand the acquisition of confessional identity after the Reformation." German Studies Review

"This fine study...establishes Marc Forster as a preeminent historian of Catholicism in early modern Germany." American Historical Review

"This a richly informative work by a tireless researcher and creative thinker. I shall consult it often." Journal of Modern History

From the Publisher