Trent: What Happened at the Council

Winner of the John Gilmary Shea Prize, John W. O’Malley's "Trent: What Happened at the Council" presents the Council of Trent (1545–1563) as a crucial event in Catholic Church history, responding to the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation. This comprehensive one-volume history challenges misconceptions and sheds light on the true complexities of this pivotal moment.

The Council of Trent spanned eighteen tumultuous years, marked by political tensions involving Holy Roman emperors, French monarchs, and multiple popes, amidst the backdrop of Ottoman threats to Christendom. O’Malley vividly portrays how these external pressures transformed the council into a precarious endeavor. Despite widespread conflict, the council notably avoided addressing the issue of war against non-Christians. However, its most conspicuous omission was the discussion of papal authority—a subject the popes, simultaneously sovereigns of Italy and spiritual leaders, fiercely guarded against reform.

Throughout the council, tensions persisted as it navigated a dual agenda of church reform and doctrinal assertion. O’Malley contrasts Trent with Vatican II, revealing historical truths obscured by mythologies. His narrative offers a lucid and engaging exploration of the council’s achievements and failures, clarifying its significance amidst European history.

O’Malley's work coincides with the 450th anniversary of the council's conclusion, providing a timely reassessment of its impact. It highlights the council’s misunderstood accomplishments and shortcomings, presenting a balanced perspective on its role in shaping Catholic doctrine and practice.

In summary, "Trent: What Happened at the Council" by John W. O’Malley is a seminal work that dispels misconceptions surrounding the Council of Trent. By dissecting its political intricacies and theological debates, O’Malley illuminates its lasting influence on the Catholic Church and European history. This book serves as an essential resource for understanding one of the most critical periods in Church history, offering clarity and depth to scholars and general readers alike.

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