Background
Many people wanted reforms because of the corruption within the church. The popes had little influence on the people spiritually, and so corruption occurred. The economic changes also had an affect. Many noblemen held positions in the church, so church and state be came mixed. Pluralism also occurred, which is when high ranking officials hold multiple positions. Because of this increase in responsibility, absenteeism came about. This brought about many complaints from the people in the 15th century.
The Search for Salvation
Because the religious leaders were blowing off their jobs, people were just searching for an easy way for religious lives, and salvation became quick and easy. Many people thought they could be saved through veneration of relics. This meant that large collections of relics became popular. Other people followed the Modern Devotion, which taught to not so much have a bunch of religious rules, but to do what Jesus did. Many people strove to follow orthodox beliefs and practices, and to keep in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Many people were tired of the worldly clergy, and were devout on their own, trying to reach salvation.
Calls for Reform
Many reforms were being set in motion. The Franciscans, Dominicans, and Augustinians began to call for reforms to preach to laypeople. In 1497, The Oratory of Divine Love came about, and they wanted to reform by putting an emphasis on focusing on personal spiritual development. Many of them liked Erasmus’ ideas and teachings, and branched off of his ideas. Several cardinals were included in the number of the Oratory. One many, Cardinal Ximenes, used Christian humanism to reform the church.