Humanities & Classics 1002
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Renaissance Forum
Humanities & Classics 1002 |
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In Reply to: PLEASE POST YOU FIRST REQUIRED POSTING AS A REPLY TO THIS posted by TOM BACIG on December 13, 1998 at 19:30:06:
Throughout history, religion and the attitudes toward religion have been an integral part of society. During certian time periods religion was regarded as the only means of living a "good and decent" life. However, in contrast to this view, other times in history have viewed religion as a subset in life. These two opposing views can easily be seen when comparing the medieval period to the renaissance. Just as views toward religion change, literature, art and numerous other areas change. In looking at "Imitation of Christ" written by Kempis, a medieval passage and "Oration on the Dignity of Man" by Miradola, a renaissance writing, it becomes evident how contrasting the time periods were.
Kempis's passage "Imitation of Christ" displays common views expressed during medieval times, based on the beief people act and live for God. He believes that man should only look within to find everything he needs in life and from there he will find God. Kempis also explains that all earthly things are unimportant in life, they are present but not to be had, "...and all earthly things are considered as in a manner of passing..." The Imitation of Christ describes that people should live only for God and relationships with others is not as important as your relationship with God. From this, he states that men should live humbly and meek, for the meek man God will defend and love. This view of living for God was also shown in "The name of the Rose." The Benedictin monks believed and followed these rules. They chose to hold no earthly posessions and turned all thought and ideas inward toward God, this is evident when the murders begin. Instead of looking at facts or logic, the monks automatically turned toward God and believed he was the reason for the murders. The monks behavior is an ideal example of views held during the medieval period as well as in Kempis's passage, that one should only look to God.
In opposition to the view expressed by Kempis, Mirandolas takes a view from the renaissance in "Oration on the Dignity of Man." In this passage, Mirandola claims that man is a middle between God and earth. He states that man, instead of being on earth to serve only God, has intellect and reason and therefore can act as one between God and nature. Mirandola claims that man is put on earth by God to investigate and enjoy nature, as well as to interact with others. In contrast to Kempis, men do not have to live humbly and meek, but can enjoy life. This view of man is seen in "The name of the Rose" in the character William of Baskerville. During the murders, William puts aside the rational held by the monks in which God was the answer. Instead, William uses his own intellect and logic, he observes facts and makes hypotheses to solve the mystery. This way of thinking and believing that man could have answers, not only God, show the views held by the renaissance and Mirandola.
In comparing the "Imitation of Christ" and the "Oration of the Dignity of Man" it is evident the contrasting views existed. Kempis and others during the medieval time believed that man only lives for God and should deny himself of earthly things. Mirandola and the renaissance brought forth a new idea that man can use intellect, enjoy nature and be one with God and nature coincidingly. These two views, contrasting entirely, determined the way of life and thought during their repsective times.