The counter-reform at Trent solidified Catholic belief for the next 400 years. In a short but well written essay explain why the reformers at Trent adopted this method of reform instead of openly dealing with the Protestant reformers to effect change in the church. As always, some sense of time would be deeply appreciated.
What was the Council of Trent? When did it meet? Under whose control was it?
How had the organized Church dealt with heretics previously, before Trent?
How successful were the reforms adopted at Trent for the organized Church? What were the Index of Forbidden Books and the Roman Inquisition?
What did the Catholic Church proclaim to be necessary for an individual to save his or her soul?
What was absolutely necessary then for a Catholic to receive the sacraments?