Compare And Contrast Individualism And Religion

Individualism and Religion When society deems someone to be individualistic or an individualist, they are defining the person as one with non-conforming beliefs, confidence, and an egocentric personality. These qualities are often recognized as unfavorable, though, they are attributed to some of Christianity's greatest reformers. Individualism, the principle that one's individual beliefs take precedence over those of a society, is the foundation of religious reform. Martin Luther, Anne Hutchinson, and Thomas More are few amongst the many pronounced religious reformers in history. Their individualistic natures may have caused an uproar at the time, though today's society can thank them for our ability to express our religious differences amongst

In the Puritan society in which she lived, women had numerous restrictions. Ignoring these restrictions, Hutchinson chose to hold religious meetings discussing sermons at her house. Because she believed it to be true, Hutchinson taught that "the assurance of salvation did not come from outward conduct, but from the essentially mystical experience of grace" (PBS). Because Hutchinson was actively teaching this against the beliefs of the Puritan ministry, she was charged for "a frontal attack on the spiritual authority of both the church and society" (PBS). Hutchinson proceeded to persevere with her views that God speaks to her personally and on her ability to interpret the Bible herself, which eventually was the causation for her excommunication of the Puritan church. Because of Anne Hutchinson's persistence as a woman in a domineering Puritan culture, she is recognized under the title of

Henry did not want Lutheranism to spread, so he chose to write "Defense of the Seven Sacraments," which was a retaliation towards Luther. The Pope of the time was very grateful for Henry's defense of the religion, therefore deeming him "Defender of the Faith." Many years later, after years of marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Henry wished for an annulment because of Catherine's inability to provide him with a male heir to the throne. However, Catherine wasn't willing to agree to the divorce, so therefore the Pope denies the annulment. In spite of the Pope's disagreement, Henry chose to remarry in secret, forcing the clergy to follow his demands. Thus, he had his new archbishop declare his marriage to Catherine invalid. With this, the Pope threatened Henry with excommunication, which caused Henry to pass an act in which made him head of the church in England. This left him with ultimate power over the church, therefore Henry is known as an individualistic reformer for this reason. Though first being recognized as a supporter of the Pope and the Catholic church, Henry's supreme ideals and wants against the church caused him to behave in an individualistic manner. Individualism is the sole causation for not only religious reform, but reform across all aspects in the world as a whole. This personal view that a person may hold, for that one's individual