Both the Renaissance and the Reformation challenged traditional thinking that had been dominated by church authorities for centuries. This set a pattern for the commitment to reasoning and inquiry that characterized the Scientific Revolution and then also the Enlightenment (which championed Scientific Revolution thinking).
Some details about the Renaissance:
The rise of humanism in Italy is associated with the period in history, from the 14th to 16th centuries, that we call "The Renaissance." Renaissance means a rebirth -- and a big part of what was being reborn in the Italian Renaissance was the classical culture and scholarship of Greece and Rome. Scholars were unearthing many of the old writings of Greek and Roman philosophers, historians, and statesmen. These writings -- from pagan societies -- showed the deep thinking and great acts human beings were capable of prior to the rise of Christian society in Europe. This prompted humanist scholars in Italy (and elsewhere) to give focus to the full range of human capabilities -- in art, architecture, scholarship and writing, etc. Renaissance humanists began to question many of the church's traditional beliefs and practices. They re-framed thinking about human beings' status in God's world. Whereas church-dominated culture prior to the Renaissance focused mostly on the sinfulness and lowness of human beings in contrast to the greatness of God, the humanism of the Renaissance emphasized the greatness of human beings as God's creation. Individuals were encouraged to be all they could be, learn all they could learn, do all they could do as "Renaissance men."
Some details about the Protestant Reformation:
The Protestant Reformation began with Martin Luther's posting of what are commonly called "The 95 Theses." Luther's theses for debate challenged the church's use of indulgences. Indulgences, by the authority of the pope, granted people the removal of penance owed in regard to their sins. Luther objected not only to the fact that these papers were being peddled for money, but questioned many of the doctrinal foundations behind the use of indulgences. As Luther continued his reform efforts, he protested not only indulgences, but the revering of relics, prayers to saints, the authority of the pope, and most especially, the church's teaching on how people become righteous in the eyes of God. Other reformers, such as Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin, also became part of the Protestant Reformation activity.
