Francesco Petrarch – Blog Post #2

Francesco Petrarch’s writing marks the beginning of the Renaissance (pg. 94). This period of time was characterized by extreme individualism, very personalized religion, increased interest in the past and Anti-Aristotelianism (pg. 94). I believe that because of this focus on God, and religion and having such an individualized and personal relationship with God, that much of Francesco’s ideologies and beliefs fit into the category of Restoration or New Creation. It could even be argued that he fits into the category of original creation.
Petrarch states: “by actualizing the potential God has given to us, we can change the world for the better” (pg. 94). So although humans may have in the past created chaos and destruction in this world they still have a chance to fix what they have done and create a new world in which there can be peace and harmony. Petrarch believed in “freeing the human spirit from the confines of medieval traditions…” (pg.94). Again supporting the idea that although humans have messed up in the past, and spent to much time drawing away from God, they still have a chance for restoration and redemption. Petrarch also believed that “God wanted humans to use their vast capabilities, not inhibit them” (pg. 94). With this statement I believe that he supports the idea of creation. He supports the idea that God created man ultimately for good, he created man to do good things in this world and to make something of himself. Not to tear the world apart and fight against all of God’s creation. I think looking at Petrarch’s Renaissance influence is also important for understanding some of his beliefs. Because this time period so supported a personal religion, people were becoming more aware of who God could be in their lives. I believe many people at this point were repenting of their sins and looking for a relationship with a God who loves them instead of looking to be part of a church that tells them what they can and cannot do, in this way I think again Petrarch supports the idea of Restoration. I think it is interesting that Petrarch did not necessarily contribute anything new to the philosophical world, but he challenged religion and philosophy enough that it made people think a different way. It made people more aware of who they were meant to be, and who Christ created them to be, so in this way they sought restoration of their nation and of their world.