1. The Counter-Reformation offensive, 1550-1650. Confessionalization under Austrian leadership. Tridentine reform in the Bishopric of Constance. Catholic reform under local leadership -- 2. The sacral landscape and pilgrimage piety. The sacral landscape. Pilgrimage piety -- 3. Religious practice. The liturgical year and everyday religious experience. The rise of individual devotion -- 4. Clericalism in the villages. Clericalism and communalism. Clericalism and anti-clericalism. The professionalization of the parish clergy -- 5. The communal church in German Catholicism. The communal church. The priest in the village -- 6. Reformers and intermediaries, 1650-1750. Reform and confessionalization. Intermediaries. Popular Catholicism, local religion and regional patterns
Summary
Many studies of the subject of 'Catholic identity' seek to credit rulers and church leaders with creating and enforcing religious identity in Germany 'from above'. In contrast, this study argues that there were important and specific local and religious reasons why people came to consider themselves loyal Catholics
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 245-256) and index