Prof. Diarmaid MacCulloch - Silence Transformed: The Third Reformation 1500-1700

Lecture 4: Silence transformed: the third Reformation 1500-1700

The noisiness of Protestantism, particularly exacerbated by the end of monasticism, unsuccessfully countered in the Church of Zürich but transcended first among radical Reformers (especially Caspar Schwenckfeld and Sebastian Franck) and a century later by the Society of Friends. The difficulties of contemplatives in the Counter-Reformation, where activism was the characteristic of the new foundations of Jesuits and Ursulines, and the problems faced by such revivals as the Discalced Carmelites. The troubles of Madame Guyon and Quietists.

Recorded 30 April 2012 at St Cecilia's Hall, Edinburgh.

[shaunmacloughlin]

I was at Beaumont College, Old Windsor, a Jesuit boarding school. At the beginning of each autumn term we had a retreat of three days compulsory silence. I thank the Jesuits for my love of silence.

[likeweneedyourhelp]

Along with Bainton, MacCulloch is a wonderful Reformation historian!

[adrianthomas]

The preReformation Roman Church was more diverse than was implied. Why was the saintly Miguel Molinos condemned and Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross made Roman doctors? I’ve always thought that the problem that Molinos had with the Jesuits was that he appealed to and spoke to the ‘laity’ and this was unacceptable. Roman Christianity had to be mediated via priests and the ordinary Christian must not be allowed to approach God directly. Thoughts?

[roryscanlon]

really interesting... the origin of preachiness.

[davidevans]

i find reformation history so fascinating.. however do people become involved with these things.. as i would dearly love to.

[BartStratton]

Thanks for posting this incredible lecture!