The Confessionalization of Humanism in Reformation Germany

Much has been written about the influence of humanism on the Reformation. This study reverses the question, asking how the Reformation affected humanism. The author argues that humanism was co-opted, perhaps even exploited, in the religious debate by both Reformers and Catholic reactionaries.

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A great deal has been written about the influence of humanism on the Reformation. The present study reverses the question, asking: how did the Reformation affect humanism? Although it is true that humanism influenced the course of the Reformation, says Erika Rummel, the dynamics of the relationship are better described by saying that humanism was co-opted, perhaps even exploited, in the religious debate. Both Reformers and Catholic reactionaries took from humanism what was useful for the advancement of their cause and suppressed what was unsuited to their purpose.