The Culture of Trent

Did the Council of Trent exist in, or was it born from, a climate of fear on the part of panic-induced, angry Catholics? Were Catholics simply resorting to a timid bunker mentality? This is what we are to believe if we listen to revisionist historians describe the era to us. We should be embarrassed of Trent, when all was dark, all was closed-in on itself. We became, in effect, ecclesiastical navel gazers, opposed to evangelization. Thank heavens Marty Haugen emancipated us from the malaise of Trent!

Now, how about another take?

Have a listen. What does the sheer magnificence of the following hymns from the Spanish Renaissance convey to you about that era? Fear? Or perhaps…transcendence?

Reject the false narratives, cliches and caricatures. Instead, go to the source.