Council of Trent (jan 1, 1545 – jan 1, 1564)

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Doctrinal reaction against Protestants. Doctrinal element of the Catholic Reformation. Since Protestantism was so strong, they were compelled to reaffirm all the challenged doctrinal truths of the RCC (priesthood, seven sacraments, salvation by faith and works, authority of magisterium equals Scripture, Vulgate Bible authoritative, etc.). This defense changed the face of Catholicism, marking the beginning of Tridentine Catholicism (until 1960s).

Controversial reforms within Catholicism are: centralization of power in the papacy (Gallicanism most ardent opposition, more nationalistic), required bishops to sacrifice much (Febronianism argued that bishops had final authority), and the neglect of Augustine's doctrines of grace (Jansenism established by Cornelius Jansenius).

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