Luces Por La Fe: The Cause Of Catholic Enlightenment In 18th-century Spain

Abstract

The cause of luces (lights) in Spain meant purification, or enlightening, of the Catholic faith rather than its abolition. Thus, the Spanish Enlightenment is more Catholic than the standard image associated with France. This chapter illustrates exactly how Enlightened Catholicism developed in Spain as a unique movement or mode of Enlightenment that existed and even conflicted with the other variations, paying attention to the important figures, intellectual discussions, works of renewal, and Enlightened Catholicisms overall impact on society. The Catholic Enlightenment that emerged in the first half of the 18th century was inherently unified in nature because of the conditions in Spain around 1700. As the 19th century developed and political and religious conservatism became dominant, the lights of the 18th century would remain beacons for the potential of Catholicism to bring renewal in society. Keywords: 18th-century Spain; catholic enlightenment