Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Renaissance Humanism was considered a threat to the Church because it:

1. Espoused atheism

2. Denounced scholasticism

3. Denounced neo-Platonism

4. Emphasized a return to the original sources of Christianity

The correct answer is: Emphasized a return to the original sources of Christianity

The perspective that Renaissance Humanism was a threat to the Church primarily stems from its emphasis on returning to the original sources of Christianity. This movement encouraged people to study classical texts and the original scriptures, which often led to interpretations and understandings that deviated from established Church doctrines. By advocating for a more personal understanding of spirituality and advocating for the study of texts in their original languages, Humanists challenged the Church's authority and the traditional role it played in mediating human knowledge and relationship with God. This return to original sources highlighted a more direct connection to faith and encouraged scrutiny of the Church's practices and teachings, which could be seen as undermining its power. The movement was not atheistic; rather, it aimed at reformation within Christianity itself, making the focus on foundational texts relevant in the context of the Renaissance. While it involved critiquing existing educational norms like scholasticism, its core focus on original sources created a significant shift in theological understanding and practice.